The Davao City Agriculturist Office (CAgrO) is intensifying its campaign to promote urban agriculture, urging households to take part in food production by setting up their own gardens.
Jeana M. Ablen, Acting CAgrO Municipal Agricultural Officer of Talomo, Poblacion and Agdao Districts, said that urban farming is not only feasible but essential as households in the city can play a vital role in food production.
“Gina encourage gyud tamo nga mutanom ilabi na karon nga panahon nga taas kayo ang pamaliton ug isa ni siya nga makahatag pod sa atoa og hamguway nga pag huna huna ug kahimtang. Dinhaa po sa atoang panimalay naa tay source sa hangin. Kay naa man ta sa urban set-up, dili buot pasabot nga dili ta mu involve sa food production, so mu involve ta kay aron makatabang ta mismo diha sa inyohang konsumo sa panimalay, sa pamilya ug makunhoran nato ang kakulangan sa pagkaon (We encourage you to plant, especially now when prices are very high, and this can also provide us with a sense of comfort and stability if we have a source of air at home. Even if we are in an urban setup, it doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t get involved in food production. We should get involved so that we can help with your household consumption, with the family, and reduce food shortages),” she told Madayaw Davao over Davo City Disaster Radio on June 10, 2026.
She explained that families can establish gardens even in limited spaces through containerized gardening, vertical gardening, and hydroponics.
Recyclable plastics can be repurposed as planting containers, while biodegradable waste can be composted into fertilizers.
She invited Dabawenyos to visit the Marfori Community Garden in Marfori Subdivision where they can witness and learn more about organic gardening.
Ablen also urge Dabawenyos to plant and nurture the seeds that were given to them emphasizing that what they harvest is not only for their own table but also a contribution to the food security in the city.
“Atoa ni siyang itanom ug atong amomahon kay kini siya libre nga ihatag sa inyoha kay para maka produce mo og gulay ug kanang gulay na gi produce ninyo, kamo ra pod ang makakaon. Kani siya, naa pod tay kaakibat na responsibilidad (We should plant and take care of this because it is freely given to you so that you can produce vegetables, and you will be the only ones to eat the vegetables you produce. We also have a corresponding responsibility),” she added.
Dabawenyos may also visit their district office to avail themselves of seedlings and orientation for free. CIO
Written by: N. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal