CEBU, Philippines - Seen carabaos and farmers lingering in front of the Talisay City Hall lately?
Not to worry, said city administrator John Yre delos Reyes.
He said the mayor has a plan to turn the city into a prolific producer of vegetables in the south.
Delos Reyes said the mayor was encouraged by the project “Green Valley Revolution,†which was initiated by the late President Ferdinand Marcos.
“This is the mayor’s first main project for this year. The idea here is to have fresh and organic vegetables on the table without having to spend so much, and a garden would help farmers earn a living, don’t you agree?†Delos Reyes said.
The city administrator said since the start of the project, which was launched Monday, several idle public lots all over the city’s 22 barangays have already been cultivated.
The city hall grounds were not spared.
JVR had also ordered idle lots to be converted into gardens.
Delos Reyes said the city’s Agriculture Office have provided different kinds of vegetables and seedlings such as tomato, ampalaya, eggplant, and others, which are low maintenance.
The city administrator said for now the city will have to spend for the salaries of the more than 200 job order workers who serve as farmers but once the program kicks off and become popular, the income will be more than enough to pay for the salaries.
Delos Reyes said JVR has also urged private individuals to allow the city to use their idle lots, and in exchange, their five percent real property tax penalty for keeping the property unused will be waived.
He said the city hopes to cultivate all available lots, whether in the lowland or in the upland barangays.
By the way, the vacant property at the sanitary landfill in barangay Tapul is also being eyed. (FREEMAN)