Eyes the use of indigenous materials in greening endeavor

The Iloilo City Government continues to look for ways in improving its initiative on landscaping for food by planting vegetables initially.

The greening endeavor has been expanded into integrated farming – basically not just communal gardening – but it now infuses breeding of tilapias and native chickens.

Mayor Jerry P. Treñas (JPT) Ediscape (Edible landscaping) program has been initiated in 12 pilot barangays through the City Population Office (CPO) and Barangay Service Point Officers (BSPOs) late last year.

Integrated farming gets barangays’ support

“We already have 32 barangays willing to join. We will try to look at other technologies that can fit in an urban setting so we can maximize agriculture’s economic potentials,” stressed Acting City Agriculturist Iñigo Garingalao

“The validation team conducted ocular visits. We are now on the stage where we are getting ready with training schedules this February,” he added.

The initiative is further developed in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture Regional Office (DA)-6, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-6, Office of the DA Assistant Secretary for Visayas Atty. Hansel Didulo and City Agriculturist’s Office.

DA-6 provides soil, agricultural supplies and technical assistance.

“The main objective of this project is to provide nutritious food for the Ilonggos and quick socioeconomic recovery of the city. It also raises the overall health and boosts immunity through organic vegetables,” said Garingalao.

“We are not using expensive resources but rather indigenous materials or what we can get from the environment,” he added. (Alexandra Jover/Iloilo City PIO)

Photo by the Iloilo City Agriculturist Office