The City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO) on Monday said almost 3,000 residents engaged in farming, producing food, and other agricultural products have registered with the government’s Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).
The RSBA is a nationwide list used by the Department of Agriculture in determining whether a person is a legitimate industry member entitled to benefits and assistance provided by the government.
CVAO chief Silardo Bested said they are targeting to have 5,000 urban farmers in the city register in the system.
But the 2,929 residents who have so far registered and come from 32 urban farmer organizations in Baguio show that more people are engaging in agriculture despite limited spaces and their busy work schedules.
In Ilocano, he said, “This is a good sign that even if we are living in the city, we can eat fresh and clean vegetables and even meat.”
Baguio is a highly urbanized city with weather conducive to producing agricultural products.
May was declared Urban Farmers and Fisherfolk Month through City Ordinance 35, series of 2018, which was passed to boost the city’s agricultural industry and the economy as a whole.
This year’s theme is “Modernization and Industrialization Toward Higher Yield and More Income.”
Among the activities for Urban Farmers and Fisherfolk Month are edible landscaping contest; the Session Road Sunday market showcase; competency Enhancement Training for Farmer Associations on agri-business planning and writing resolutions; launching of the Baguio coffee brand and rabbit food fest; launching of Farm Tourism circuit; coffee tree planting and cleanup drive; tilapia fingerlings dispersal.
The city’s urban farming was further drummed-up during the pandemic with the help of the Department of Agriculture which distributed quality vegetable seeds to residents which can be planted in pots and hung on walls to maximize spaces.
Aside from vegetable production, the government gave residents poultry and livestock supplies that can be grown in small quantities. (PNA)