Butuan City pushes ‘Gulay sa Panimalay’ to boost food self-sufficiency
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — In response to the current energy crisis and to promote food security, the city government of Butuan is encouraging households to grow their own food through its “Gulay sa Panimalay” or vegetables at home initiative.
“We have available vegetable seeds and seedlings that can be distributed to households interested in becoming ‘plantitos’ and ‘plantitas,’” said Engineer Pierre Anthony D. Joven, department head of the City Agriculture and Veterinary Department (CAVD), during an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga on April 20, here.
One of the effects of the ongoing energy crisis is the rising cost of basic commodities, including vegetables and rice. These challenges have affected production and distribution, making it more difficult for households to access affordable food.
The program aims to empower individuals, families, and communities to access fresh and nutritious vegetables right in their homes and neighborhoods. By promoting backyard and community gardening, the initiative supports self-sufficiency while helping households cope with rising costs and limited resources amid the energy emergency.
Under the program, the city government, through CAVD, will distribute free vegetable seeds and seedlings to barangays, which will serve as primary distribution points for residents. Available seeds include eggplant, string beans, kangkong (water spinach), and other easy-to-grow crops. This system allows individuals to request seeds from their barangays instead of traveling to the CAVD office in Brgy. Tiniwisan.
The department emphasized that seeds and seedlings will be provided to residents who have adequate and prepared planting areas, such as backyards or community gardens, to ensure that the distributed seedlings are properly planted and will yield produce.
Joven added, “Households challenged with space but have ready-planting pots or containers can also join in the program. They just need to present photos of the planting area or spce and we will give them the free seeds and seedlings.”
Beyond food production, the initiative also strengthens collaboration between the city government, barangay local government units, and the community. It promotes a shared responsibility in ensuring food security while fostering a healthier lifestyle among residents.
Moreover, the program reinforces the spirit of “balangayan”, a sense of unity, cooperation, and collective action by encouraging communities to work together in establishing and maintaining their own gardens.
Joven called on all Butuanons to take part in the initiative. “Let us start planting. You may visit either your barangay office or the CAVD to avail of the seeds and seedlings. Just prepare your garden area, and we are ready to provide you with as many seeds and seedlings as your household needs,” he said.
Through “Gulay sa Panimalay,” Butuan City continues to champion sustainable solutions that not only address immediate needs but also build resilient, healthy, and self-reliant communities. (MFC, PIA Caraga)
