City targets development plan for local farmers

Mayor Benjamin Magalong signed city council resolution no. 685, series of 2023, supporting local farmers in the Summer Capital by coming up with a development plan that is doable and will bring prosperity.

The approved measure is based on a proposal of Scout Official For-A-Day (SOFAD) councilor Princess Peralta adopted during the SOFAD council session on October 23, last year.

It stated that organizations like the Agricultural Training Institute; Bureau of Plant Industry; Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; Bureau of Animal Industry; Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority; National Meat Inspection Service; National Dairy Authority; and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, to showcase their commitment to bolstering the city’s agricultural community by presenting their programs and service tailored to urban farmers.

The resolution also tasked the City Veterinary and Agriculture Office, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR) to facilitate, collaborate and encourage the adoption of innovative technologies and best agricultural practices among local farmers highlighting the united effort to empower the city’s agriculture future.

It disclosed that Baguio city is a pilot area for the urban gardening/backyard gardening program of DA-CAR, having the potential in terms of crop production although it is a highly-urbanized city.“While the city’s potential is not geared towards commercial purposes, the substantial number of local residents capable of producing their own food will significantly contribute to sustainability and boost national food production – a vision aligned with the national government’s,” the measure stressed. – Gaby B. Keith