ENSURING FOOD SECURITY. Maj. Frank Sayson, group commander of the 7th Civil Relations Group (7CRG) of the Civil Relations Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, gives a short briefing on the "Raise to One Million Gardens in NCR" project launched in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday (June 29, 2020). The project supports the Agriculture Department’s Alpas Covid-19 “Plant Plant Plant” program aimed at ensuring food security amid the Covid-19 pandemic. (Photo courtesy of Maj. Frank Sayson)
MANILA – In line with ongoing efforts to promote food security, the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) 7th Civil Relations Group (7CRG) launched its " Raise to One Million Gardens in NCR" project in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday.
In a statement Tuesday, the unit commander, Maj. Celeste Frank Sayson said the program aims to help the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat Kontra sa Covid 19 (Alpas Covid-19 ) "Plant Plant Plant" program.
He added that the "Raise to One Million Gardens in NCR" is also an integral part of the "Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko" campaign of the Civil Relations Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CRSAFP) in ensuring stable food supply in Metro Manila for those who were affected by the enhanced community quarantine.
Sayson said that aside from easing the people's boredom, the AFP teaches the people to be more productive and profitable through urban farming.
"We believe that raising gardens to one million in the National Capital Region is possible following the principle of multi-level marketing. It is essential for people to witness the yielding of vegetables and fruits in the respective partner gardens as well as the community and home gardens in the urban settings," he said.
The event coincides with the CRSAFP's anniversary.
Immediately after the launch, AFP deputy chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Antonio Ramon Lim, led the oathtaking of the new set of officers of the 7CRG's Pilot Community Garden at the Pook Arboretum in Barangay UP Campus in Diliman.
Mr. Jun Obrero of the "Raise To One Million Gardens" project briefs AFP deputy chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Antonio Ramon Lim on his participation in the advocacy center of the 7th CRG.
Aside from the “Raise to One Million Gardens in NCR” project, the 7CRG also opened an Advocacy Studio, in partnership with the Islam in Action Foundation, Inc. to inform and create public awareness on urban farming.
Both projects aim to teach people, especially in Metro Manila, on the importance of simple and fruitful living as the nation braces for the “new normal”.
Participants to the project are being encouraged to plant more vegetables, fruit-bearing plants, and herbal or medicinal plants.
The project is expected to benefit around 3.5 million Filipinos in Metro Manila who are expected to have vegetables in their homes in the next 12 months.
The DA and its attached agency, the Bureau of Plant Industry, have committed support for the project. (with reports from Marita Moaje/PNA)
