CEBU, Philippines — The City Agricultural Department (CAD) together with the Department of Agriculture (DA)-7 led the groundbreaking ceremony of the 500-square meter greenhouse facility with water irrigation at Barangay Taptap.
The project is part of the food security program of the city government.
Joining the event were CAD head Jonil Matuguina and Cebu City South District Councilor Phillip Zafra and other stakeholders.
"This is a joint project between the City Government of Cebu and the Department of Agriculture (DA) which was facilitated by our office together with former City Agriculture Officer Sir Joey Baclayon, and which we pursued with Sir Jonil," said Zafra, who is the chairperson of the committee on agriculture.
According to Zafra, the project was supported and approved by Mayor Edgardo Labella and acting Mayor Michael Rama and it will be turned over to a farmers' association after its construction.
In a Facebook post, the councilor mentioned that the project is estimated to cost at around P2.3 million.
He added that the city government provided the site while the DA will provide the funding support.
Greenhouse facility is an area with a cover made of transparent material like glass in which plants requiring regulated climatic conditions are grown.
There are systems for ventilation, heating, irrigation and fertilization of the said facility.
Meanwhile, the city government through CAD is also strengthening its urban gardening campaign.
It encourages the public to develop greener spaces and small gardens.
It will safeguard the city’s ecosystem and secure its food supplies. — GMR (FREEMAN)