The Davao City Agriculturist Office (CAgrO) has intensified its campaign to promote urban agriculture, urging households across Davao City to establish home gardens as part of efforts to boost local food production and strengthen food security.
CAgrO said the initiative aims to encourage residents to maximize available spaces in their homes for growing vegetables and other edible crops, helping ease household food expenses amid rising market prices.
Jeana M. Ablen, Acting CAgrO Agricultural Officer for Talomo, Poblacion, and Agdao districts, said urban farming is both practical and necessary, especially as families face increasing food costs and concerns over food supply.
“Gina-encourage gyud tamo nga mutanom ilabi na karon nga panahon nga taas kayo ang pamaliton ug isa ni siya nga makahatag pod sa atoa og hamugaway nga panghunahuna ug kahimtang. Dinha po sa atoang panimalay naa ta’y source sa pagkaon. Kay naa man ta sa urban set-up, dili buot pasabot nga dili ta mu-involve sa food production. Mu-involve ta aron makatabang ta mismo diha sa inyohang konsumo sa panimalay ug sa pamilya, ug makunhoran nato ang kakulangan sa pagkaon,” Ablen said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR).
She explained that urban gardening can be done even in small or limited spaces through container gardening, vertical gardening, and hydroponic systems.
She added that recyclable materials such as plastic containers can be reused as planting pots, while biodegradable waste may be converted into compost fertilizer.
Ablen also encouraged Dabawenyos to visit the Marfori Community Garden in Marfori Subdivision, where they can observe and learn practical techniques in organic gardening and sustainable food production.
She further urged Dabawenyos to take responsibility for nurturing the seedlings provided by the city, emphasizing that home gardening supports both household consumption and broader food security efforts.
“Atoa ni siyang itanom ug atong amumahon kay kini siya libre nga ihatag sa inyoha aron makaproduce mo og gulay, ug kanang gulaya nga inyong maproduce, kamo ra pod ang makakaon. Kani siya, naa pod tay kaakibat nga responsibilidad,” she added.
CAgrO said residents may also visit their respective district offices to avail themselves of free seedlings and attend orientation sessions as part of the city’s continuing urban agriculture program.
