CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In collaboration with the LGUs, the academe and communities in advancing food and nutritional security in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and the Philippine Association of Agriculturists 10 (PAA-10) jointly launched the communal garden contest in the region’s five provinces.

The search for the best garden in the five provinces with its respective associations will enhance the availability of food at the community levels.

The participating associations includes the following: Tangaro Young Farmers, Catarman, Camiguin; Barangay Calaocalao, Don Carlos, Bukidnon; Sinai RIC Multi Purpose Cooperative, Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental; Barangay Libertad in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte; and Pan-ay Vegetable Farmers in Clarin, Misamis Occidental.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations and PAA Northern Mindanao chapter President Carlota S. Madriaga emphasized that communities need to strengthen local food production.

Each communal garden measuring not less than 500 square meters will be judged based on its physical arrangement, varieties of crops planted, technology innovations, production, and garden space utilization.

Inputs comprising vegetable seeds, organic fertilizers, biopesticides, and the provision of knapsack sprayer were provided by the department in support of its Plant, Plant, Plant Program.

PAA is a professional organization based on the development of agriculture and fisheries that supports the government’s advocacy of the establishment of a community or school garden.

The awarding for the outstanding communal garden will be in March 2022. #(MPTablon)