By Paulo Loreto Lim

Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog recently allotted two hectares of land in Barangay Lanit, in the Jaro District of the city, for today’s launch of the Urban Farming Project, a program made possible by the City Agriculturist’s Office, in partnership with the SM Foundation.
“We are hopeful this [project] will provide a sustainable livelihood to residents,” he said.
The mayor also hopes the program will result in more nutritious meals for the city’s youth, with expected crops to include squash, eggplant, bitter melon, among other vegetables.
Recipients of the land include members of the youth sector, surrendered drug personalities, indigenous people, farmers, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, schools, and Bureau of Jail and Management Penology (BJMP) inmates.
Those provided with land will have to attend a 12-session Department of Agriculture seminar and training from the SM Foundation on different technological farming practices.
“We hope to address their concern for a source of living,” said City Agriculturist Romulo Pangantihon./WDJ