In line with the goal to build and strengthen capacities of urban communities toward food self-sufficiency, DA-Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) inaugurated its Edible Landscape (EL) demonstration garden on 27 May 2022 in Diliman, Quezon City. 

“We would like to make food abundant in urban and peri-urban areas by supporting the establishment of community gardens and farms and at the same time, increasing awareness on human health through nutrition,” DA-ATI director Dr. Rosana P. Mula said. 

DA-ATI director Dr. Mula, DA-BAR assistant director-designate for Research Support Services Dr. Anthony B. Obligado, and EL team head and project leader Dr. Fernando C.  Sanchez Jr. officiated the turnover and launching ceremony. 

“The establishment of EL demonstration garden is a strategy in promoting edible landscaping wherein fruits, vegetables, herbs, medicinal plants are used as major planting materials instead of ornamental plants.” EL team head Dr. Sanchez said. 

The DA-ATI EL demo garden promotes the concept of square foot gardening and showcases urban agriculture technologies and approaches, especially the artistic technique of crop production. 

In support to DA’s Plant Plant Plant Program, the demo garden of DA-ATI is part of the DA-BAR-UPLB funded project titled, Edible Landscaping: Magtanim ng Gulay para sa Isang Masagana, Malusog, at Makulay na Buhay.  It is the third demonstration site established under the project. 

In his message, assistant director Dr. Obligado underscored the continuous efforts and strong commitment of the department and its attached agencies and bureaus, state universities and colleges, and local government units in the success of the initiative toward achieving a food-secure nation.