The city government on Thursday urged residents to start adapting urban gardening methods like growing vegetables in their backyards to contribute to food security in the region.

“Gusto sana natin mas marami ang magtatanim ng gulay sa backyard nila para may fresh, malinis at mura ang ise-serve nila sa pamilya nila (We want more residents to grow vegetables in their backyards so that they will have fresh, clean and cheap food to serve to their families),” Aileen Refuerzo, chief city information officer, said in a phone interview on Thursday.

Earlier in the year, the local government, through the Baguio City Veterinary Office-Agricultural Services (BCVO-AS) Division, once again announced the start of the Edible Landscaping Contest to celebrate the upcoming Urban Farmers and Fisherfolk Month.

Top prize winners will each receive PHP30,000, PHP20,000, and PHP10,000.

Participating cooperatives and organizations will be judged based on the following criteria: aesthetics/art and elements of design; health and wellness benefits; maximum utilization of space and waste recycling initiatives; and self-sufficiency.

Refuerzo said the city continues to come up with projects to encourage the public to plant and has even accredited backyard gardens as learning sites for residents taking interest of urban gardening.

In 2020, the city government, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, distributed free vegetable seeds and seedlings for residents to grow in their backyards and small spaces using pots and recycled materials. (PNA)