Baguio: The City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO) here reported a significant increase in the number of residents engaging in urban agriculture, specifically rooftop and backyard food production, which is seen as a positive step towards enhancing the country's food sustainability.

According to Philippines News Agency, CVAO head Dr. Silardo Bested shared in a report to the city government that the number of 'Gulayan sa Paaralan' (school vegetable gardens) has grown to 94 from the initially targeted 40, while the number of home gardens has reached 1,757. Seedling distribution has also seen a significant increase, reaching 6,121, surpassing the initial target of 4,000.

Bested highlighted the outcomes of agriculture interventions, which have not only exceeded targets but also improved the state of agriculture within the urban center. In addition to vegetables, the office has distributed 1,166 chickens, 30 bee colonies, and 10,550 fish fingerlings for inland aquaculture. Residents have been maintaining container fish pens or backyard fishponds for personal consumption and selling excess produce to neighbors.

To encourage urban agriculture, the CVAO provides free agricultural products to residents, aiming to ensure food availability for family consumption or additional income through sales. Marketing interventions, such as farmers' market days and Kadiwa activities, are also held. The city's Kadiwa trucks play a crucial role in transporting goods from farms to markets and vice versa, enhancing profitability.

Bested emphasized the continuous improvement of agricultural infrastructure, including irrigation systems, production facilities, farm-to-market roads, and seedling nurseries, to increase farming efficiency and reduce post-harvest losses. He noted that these initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability, food security, and empowering local communities with knowledge and resources.

The local government is also focusing on nurturing young talent in agriculture. The 4H (head, hands, heart, health) program, in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), provides public school students with practical gardening technologies, peer learning, and leadership development. Additionally, the city government has sent young farmers to Taiwan for internships, exposing them to the potential of the foreign country's agriculture industry.