Western Visayas delegation actively engages at the inaugural Philippine Horticulture and Urban Agriculture Summit 2024 in Makati City

Eighteen representatives from Western Visayas took part in the Philippine Horticulture and Urban Gardening Summit 2024, hosted from May 3 to 6 at One Ayala Mall.

This milestone event served as a venue for stakeholders, professionals, and enthusiasts to converge and address the current situation, challenges, potentials, and innovations within the country’s agricultural sector. The WV delegates actively engaged in exploring innovative solutions and strategies in urban farming and horticulture, exchanging ideas with industry experts, policymakers, and fellow enthusiasts. Their participation underscored the region’s commitment to fostering agricultural excellence, setting a precedent for future collaborations and advancements in the field.

Among the WV delegates was Annalyn Catacutan, the Farm School Supervisor of Tiu Cho Teg Ana Ros Foundation Integrated School in Lanit, Jaro, Iloilo City. She expressed appreciation for being chosen as a participant in the summit, acknowledging its potential to enhance her role as an educator in advocating farming practices for food security and sustainability among urban communities. Catacutan highlighted the invaluable insights gained from the three-day sessions, particularly emphasizing the significance of topics such as women in agri-preneurship.

The Tiu Cho Teg Foundation School, a beneficiary of projects from the Department of Agriculture – Western Visayas (DA-WV) such as the “Gulayan sa Bakanteng Lote,” composting facility, and the National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture (NUPAP) project, further exemplifies the region’s commitment to agricultural development.

During the summit’s opening ceremony, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr., voiced staunch support for the industry, announcing plans to make the event an annual affair. Secretary Tiu Laurel also underscored the huge potential of horticulture and urban agriculture in driving economic growth across the country.

The Agriculture Chief and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos graced the inaugural summit with their presence, jointly leading the opening ceremony. Throughout the three-day event, a range of topics was covered, all aimed at facilitating the exchange of knowledge and fostering innovative ideas to drive growth within the nation’s agricultural sector.

Meanwhile, private companies, academe, and various agricultural enterprises participated in the Pagsibol exhibit, showcasing a variety of products such as vegetable crops, honeydew melons, floras, and ornamentals cultivated through various urban farming methods. # (Text & Photos by: MSSubang/DA-RAFIS 6)