PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) recently supported the Iloilo City Agriculture Office’s (CAO) urban gardening contest under its program entitled, “Wala sang gutom sa tion sang delubyo: From Farm to Fork Food Production Sustainability Program”.
“We at PLDT and Smart are proud to collaborate with the Iloilo CAO and support its initiatives to enable Ilonggos to secure their own food. We will continue to create programs and solutions that will benefit communities, particularly in terms of health and livelihood,” said Jovel de la Cruz, Customer Development Manager at Smart.
The Iloilo CAO sees sustainable urban farming as an aid in their efforts to ensure food security in their community. This is part of their goal to help Ilonggos become resilient during disasters or other crises.
“We thank PLDT and Smart for supplementing the materials we provided to our participants through the #PlantSmart kits. We commend this effort as it demonstrates the companies’ concern for food security, the environment, and the overall well-being of Filipinos,” said Iloilo City Agriculturist Iñigo D. Garingalao.
The urban gardening contest, which began amid the COVID-19 pandemic, intends to encourage families and young people to establish their own vegetable gardens that can serve as a source of food and extra income.
In its second cycle, the program expanded and invited more barangays and schools to participate. PLDT and Smart’s donation of #PlantSmart kits to the local government in 2022 boosted this initiative, providing additional easy-to-grow vegetable seeds, loam soil, and organic fertilizers to the participants.
Apart from the planting kits, PLDT and Smart also provided support for the cash prizes of the winning communities.
PLDT and Smart’s efforts to boost sustainable farming initiatives of its partner communities highlight the group’s commitment to helping the Philippines achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #2: Zero Hunger, #3: Good Health and Well-Being, and #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
