Filipinos have once again proven that collective efforts showcase the best traits of a nation with the green transformation of what was once a vacant lot in Quezon City.
Lawyer and urban farmer Atty. JC Tejano was among the community leaders who urged his neighbors and the community to engage themselves in urban farming to transform a lot that has been vacant for around nearly three decades.
“Habang nililinis namin naisip naming magtanim na rin. Kasi sakto, ayaw na naming mamalengke as much as possible given the pandemic. So ‘yan nag-set up kami ng garden,” said Atty. Tejano as per reports from ABS-CBN News.
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The community’s efforts led to a remarkable new look for the once barren lands as it is now a source for green, leafy vegetables and fruits including Sitaw, Ampalaya, Upo, Patola, Okra, Kamatis, Dill, Sili, Oregano, Talong, Talbos ng Kamote, Mani, Mustasa, Labanos, Kangkong, Litsugas, Saluyot, Papaya, Saging, and more.
“Basically, tinry namin siyang gawing bahay kubo. Nung nag decide kami magtanim, habol lang talaga namin na makamura at makalibre sa gulay at makatikim ng sarili naming mga tubo at tanim. Natuto kaming magtanim not from anyone – ang ginawa lang talaga namin, nanood kami ng YouTube videos. Gagamit ka ng oras at energy mo, kasi habang ginagawa mo siya, sobrang enjoy siya gawin,” revealed Atty. Tejano in a video at Agri Tayo hosted on the Facebook page of Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan.
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Atty. Tejano furthered that should other communities in the country follow suit, it would help address problems including the country’s food security and the issues of malnutrition especially for children.
“Yung urban farm, it can really address food security, lalo na dito sa Metro Manila. Esepcially noong lockdown, ang hirap mamalengke and ikaw mismo sinsubukan mong iwasan na mamalengke. Kapag ganooon ang nangyari na ma-lockdown tayo, for some other crisis, urban farm talaga yung (solusyon). Kahit walang krisis o pandemya, sobrang useful talaga ng urban farm sa isang community kasi bukod sa makakatipid, hindi na kailangang lumabas ng bahay kapag merong urban farm ang bawat community dito sa Metro Manila, I am sure na ma-a-address din ang problema ng malnutrition, especially sa mga bata,” said Atty. Tejano.
