Davao to open botanical garden  and agri-product display center

THE City Agriculturist Office here would soon lead the opening of a botanical garden and agricultural product display center in a countryside village of the city.
CAO chief Leonardo Avila said that the Davao City Botanical Garden and Agri-Products Display Center will have its launching as soon as land development is completed within the quarter.
Avila said the garden and agri-product display center located in a two-hectare area in Barangay Baganihan, Marilog District, will cater to small-scale farmers of  ornamental plants, flowers, vegetables and other agricultural products such as coffee and high-value crops.
He said the City Council has approved last year for the City Government of Davao to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Natural Environment and Resources (DENR) for the realization of the project.
He disclosed that an initial fund of P3 million will be allocated for the project under DA’s “Agrikulturang Pinoy” that seeks to promote sustainable agriculture, food security and self-sufficiency.
Of the funding, P2 million will be spent for the construction of infrastructures while the remaining P1 million is meant for the operations, he said.
Beautiful sites within the premises of the garden and display center in Brgy. Baganihan such as its waterfalls will also be featured.
Avila said that some indigenous peoples in the area are trained to serve as tour guides.
He stated that the project is part of the city government’s goal of developing sustainable agriculture, agri-forestry and agri-business programs in Davao City. [PIA 11/CARINA L. CAYON]