This highly urbanized city has partnered with 13 associations in utilizing idle lands and vacant spaces for urban farming to boost livelihood and ensure food sustainability for Bacolodnons.

In a report on Tuesday, the city government said the initial five beneficiary-associations each received grants on Monday to kick-start their localized urban farming projects under the PHP9-million Sustainable Program for Resilient and Optimum Urban Transformation (SPROUT).

They are the Federation of Homeowners Association Inc., which was awarded PHP3 million; Bacolod City Integrated Small Farmers Federation Inc., PHP1.5 million; Bacolod City Fisherfolks Federation Inc. sang PHP1 million; and Senior Citizen Association of Purok San Dionisio Inc. and Gardenville Homeowners Association Inc, PHP100,000 each.

“We entrust the fund to you with the hope that this can help your members,” Mayor Greg Gasataya said in a news release. “We also ask for proper use of funds, accountability, and compliance with the objectives of the program for this to be beneficial to the people of Bacolod.”

Each of the beneficiary-association entered into a memorandum of agreement with the city government for the implementation of their projects.

Through the SPROUT Program, the city government seeks to strengthen food self-sufficiency, climate resilience, waste management through bio-waste recycling, and increased livelihood opportunities for farmers, fisherfolks, senior citizens, and communities.

The initiative, funded under the city’s 20 percent Development Fund, is a collaborative effort among the city government, IF Green Technologies and various stakeholders, including community associations, sectoral groups, farmers and fisherfolk in the 61 villages of Bacolod.

It seeks to promote urban greening and food sustainability, provide livelihood opportunities, facilitate market access, and enhance waste management. (PNA)