Mandaue residents urged to engage in urban farming

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City government is urging residents in the 27 barangays to engage in urban farming at their backyards.

The city council has approved a resolution asking barangay captains and the Sangguniang Kabatan to encourage residents to indulge in gardening.

Mandaue City Councilor Jimmy Lumapas, who authored the resolution, said that since environmental awareness has increased in the 21st century there has been a movement towards sustainable agriculture by some farmers, consumers, and policy-makers.

Backyard gardening, according to Lumapas is common, as it mainly produces leafy vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants.

The city councilor said this practice is common in both urban and semi-urban areas, which signifies economic importance as families can save on food items, which they would otherwise have to buy.

Members of the city council supported Councilor Lumapas stating that this program, which advocates eating homegrown vegetables and crops, aligns itself with the thrust of the Department of Agriculture to make Filipinos become increasingly aware of good food and nutrition these days.

“Community gardening or gardening by private individuals who have the motivation should be seriously encouraged (if feasible with incentives) by the City of Mandaue as an efficient combination for urban agriculture to promote urban greening, improving social structures, and be part of readily available food supply,” the resolution said. (FREEMAN)