The Quezon City University QCU) launched on Tuesday, Feb. 15, the Center for Urban Agriculture and Innovation.
“This is part of our effort to create a smart and sustainable city. Through this Center for Urban Agriculture, we can learn how to further expand our urban farming initiatives, and include our students and other stakeholders in the process,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
The program was launched in partnership with the Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) and through the QC Government’s Sustainable Development Affairs Unit (SDAU).
It will provide training and development activities to enable QCU to incorporate urban agriculture into its curriculum programs.
A bee farm is also part of the program, which has an initial five bee colonies that were funded by the QC Cooperative.
The staff of the university was trained by the Apiculture Producers Cooperative in beekeeping.
“This program is to reinforce our commitment to the sustainability of QC’s urban farming initiatives. With our vast campus grounds, we aim to maximize it by incorporating programs and projects that are aligned with the development goals of the city government,” QCU President Dr. Theresita Atienza said.