More than 500 edible landscaping kits were donated by the University of the Philippines - Los Baños (UPLB) to the city government of Parañaque as part of its pursuit to promote food security amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
According to Public Information Office (PIO) chief Mar Jimenez, a total of 510 kits were donated by UPLB to the city, which was personally received by Mayor Edwin Olivarez on Thursday (June 17), who thanked them for the donation.
Edible landscaping is known as a farming approach where applied artistry and basic landscaping principles are aesthetically combined with crop production. It aims to provide households with their own supply of vegetables.
The starter kit contains a packet of assorted vegetable seeds, a “how to plant” brochure, and sample designs for a pocket garden, container garden, and community garden fit for urban communities that will help families create their edible gardens at home.
UPLB Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr., who has been leading the university’s edible landscaping, stressed last year the project's long-time goal that “no Filipino should be hungry.”
During that time, Agriculture Secretary William Dar also received 20,000 starter kits which he said will help families create their own edible gardens at home.
“As the country transitions onto the ‘new normal,’ it is important that we continue our joint efforts to ensure adequate supply of affordable and nutritious food, and improve our food logistics and transportation systems," Dar said.