The Baguio City Council has approved a resolution supporting a ₱3.23 million smart greenhouse project at the Baguio Botanical Garden to boost local urban farming and agro-tourism.
The measure, introduced by Councilor Van Oliver Dicang authorizes the city to secure the grant from the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR) through its National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program.
The greenhouse, which will be built near the park’s nursery, aims to help local farmers increase crop yields and secure a steady income despite unpredictable weather and climate change.
Structural design and construction will cost ₱3 million, while the remaining ₱230,000 will fund seeds and agricultural supplies.
During the council’s May 25 regular session, Dr. Silardo Bested, head of the City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO), said the green house is a techno-demo farm.
Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, suggested the cultivation of fruit-bearing plants to further attract visitors to the park.
To protect the local government from long-term maintenance expenses, the council included a stipulation requiring the city to manage and fund the greenhouse for only an initial six-month trial period.
During the trial phase, agricultural experts will train local farmers’ organizations and women’s groups. Following the training, these groups will take over daily operations and product marketing, allowing the greenhouse to become self-sustaining through crop harvests. Stesha Lev Tamangen/UC Intern
