SUBURBAN COMMUNITY GARDENING: TEAMNABANGAY GULAYAN SA BARANGAY BARRA PROJECT

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SUBURBAN COMMUNITY GARDENING: TEAMNABANGAY GULAYAN ....

Misamis University Community Extension Program

SUBURBAN COMMUNITY GARDENING: TEAMNABANGAY GULAYAN SA BARANGAY BARRA PROJECT

The College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) of Misamis University, through its Community Development Program (CDAP), formally launched the Suburban Community Gardening: Teamnabangay Gulayan sa Barangay Project on November 24, 2024, at the Barangay Barra Covered Court in Tudela, Misamis Occidental. Anchored on the university’s community extension mandate and aligned with global frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-Being, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Climate Action, Life on Land, and Partnerships for the Goals—the initiative represents a strong commitment to promoting community resilience through sustainable agriculture.

The project is implemented under a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Misamis University and Barangay Barra, emphasizing a shared responsibility in agricultural capacity-building and the establishment of community gardens. With 80 participants, including 4Ps beneficiaries, women’s associations, senior citizens, BPATs, and barangay leaders, the program addresses pressing challenges related to malnutrition, rising food prices, limited livelihood options, and the underutilization of available backyard spaces. Through technical training, practical demonstrations, and distribution of seedlings, tools, and educational materials, the project aims to empower local families to grow their own food and reduce household expenses

During the launch, barangay officials, and CAF student leaders welcomed the community, highlighting how suburban gardening, vertical farming, and organic fertilizer production can transform household food production. Resource speaker Ms. Junalyn M. Uy, a BS Agriculture student, led the technical sessions, covering topics such as sustainable suburban gardening, composting, and Fish Amino Acid (FAA) production. Participants were actively engaged during the assessment, facilitated by Ms. Leah Reyes, where tokens were awarded to individuals who demonstrated outstanding learning.

To support immediate implementation, the College distributed 150 potted seedlings (tomato, eggplant, and string beans), five sacks of potting mix, gardening tools, sprayers, and 100 leaflets on vertical gardening and FAA preparation. These resources enable families to begin planting at home, while also encouraging collective participation in developing the community garden. The project team, faculty, and student volunteers ensured a collaborative environment, providing food packs and acknowledging the dedication of all partners involved.

The initiative has already produced substantial outputs, including the establishment of a pilot community garden and increased knowledge among participants about organic and space-efficient gardening. In the short term, households have begun planting the distributed seedlings, gaining improved access to fresh vegetables and developing stronger unity within the barangay. Medium-term impacts include reduced food expenses, emerging micro-livelihoods, improved dietary intake, and wider adoption of vertical gardening practices among households with limited space.

In alignment with the SDGs, the project strengthens poverty alleviation through food self-sufficiency (SDG 1), enhances food security and nutrition (SDG 2), promotes pesticide-free and healthy eating practices (SDG 3), creates opportunities for small-scale agricultural enterprises (SDG 8), fosters climate-resilient agriculture (SDG 13), supports sustainable use of land and biodiversity (SDG 15), and demonstrates effective university-community partnership (SDG 17).

The Teamnabangay Gulayan sa Barangay Barra Project is a testament to how academic institutions can synergize with local governments to build more food-secure, environmentally responsible, and economically empowered communities. As monitoring continues, Misamis University commits to sustaining this partnership and expanding agricultural extension services to ensure long-term community transformation.