Edible landscaping project takes root in DA

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has unveiled the University of the Philippines Los Baños’ (UPLB) edible landscaping project in its central office in Quezon City, furthering its push for urban agriculture.

The Institute of Crop Science of UPLB’s College of Agriculture and Food Science on Monday turned over the project dubbed “Hardin ng Kalusugan at Pagkain.”

This is the university’s initiative under its Edible Landscaping: Magtanim ng Gulay Para sa Isang Masagana, Malusog at Makulay na Buhay.

Funded by the DA’s Bureau of Agricultural Research under its Plant, Plant, Plant program, it aims to promote edible landscaping in urban communities as an additional and immediate source of fresh and nutritious food.

The design of this edible landscape garden, whose construction commenced in August, was patterned after the DA’s logo.

Farming approach

The DA explained that edible landscaping is a farming approach that combines artistry and basic landscaping principles with crop production to provide households steady supply of vegetables.

Not only does this approach support the agency’s efforts to establish food-resilient communities amid the coronavirus pandemic, but it also promotes urban farming by incorporating various available technologies such as organic farming, vertical farming, hydroponics and horticulture.

“This project was inspired by our desire to provide more food in poor urban areas. It is important that we start this at the DA. This area is planted with organic vegetables and integrates horticulture, as inspired by [Undersecretary] Evelyn [Laviña],” said Agriculture Undersecretary Zamzamin Ampatuan in his message during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“The design of our marker symbolizes kung ano iyong crop production (what crop production is), encouraging crop production and urban agriculture. Lahat ng nakadikit po doon ay (All the things incorporated in the design are the) tools in plant production,” Fernando Sanchez Jr., who spearheads the UPLB’s Edible Landscaping Team, said partly in Filipino.