Best urban and peri-urban gardens get awards from DA

The Department of Agriculture (DA), through the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), and Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), recognized the outstanding urban and peri-urban gardens nationwide on September 12, 2024.

“We celebrate those who have transformed limited spaces into thriving gardens, those who have enhanced their surroundings while deepening our understanding of food sustainability. You have overcome the challenges of constrained space and resources, reignited a sense of responsibility for our land, and inspired us all to reconsider our relationship with the food we eat and the environment we live in,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said in a statement read by DA-BPI and DA-NUPAP Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban.

The 2024 National Search for the Best Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Garden aims to honor the champions of community-based gardening, celebrate their innovation, sustainability, and dedication, and strengthen the stakeholders’ partnership with the DA to produce safe and quality produce in metropolitan areas.

The Quezon City-based San Diego Elementary School won the award for the Best Macrogarden Category and received P100,000 cash prize, while the Zennor Hydroponics Farm in Palauig, Zambales bagged the title for the Best Microgarden Category with P100,000 cash prize. First place winners received P70,000 cash, while second placers were awarded with P30,000 cash.

For the Macrogardens Category, the 1st and 2nd Runner Ups are the Bausa Integrated Farm and Training Center, Inc. located in San Ildefonso, Bulacan and the Jaya’s Secret Garden in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

On the other hand, the Domegarden in Itogon, Benguet and the Cagape’s Crisp Greens in Panabo City, Davao won the first and second place awards under the Microgardens Category.

“As we reflect on your achievements, let us acknowledge the crucial role urban agriculture plays in addressing global challenges. From mitigating climate change to enhancing food resilience and improving mental well-being, your gardens serve purposes beyond mere aesthetics,” the agri chief stressed.

He