Following the official launch of the project, “Establishing Food Gardens for Household Food Security and Community Resilience in the Ilocos” on June 22, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) has begun assessing local organizations to build resilient communities across Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur.

Funded by the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) under its GALING PCAARRD Kontra Krisis (GPKK) Program, this 18-month joint effort between MMSU-Research Directorate’s MMSU Natural Resources Conservation & Management Center (NRCMC) and Extension Directorate aims to set up 30 climate-resilient food gardens and train at least 600 households in low-cost, science-based farming techniques.

Moving from planning to action, the project team recently visited prospective partner sites with the Mariposa Salt Makers Association in Burgos and the Salpad Protected Area and Watershed Association, Inc. in Brgy. Salpad, Pasuquin. The site visits were led by Dr. Menisa Antonio, project leader and chief of Technical Advisory and Consultancy Services at the MMSU Extension Directorate.

Next week, DOST-PCAARRD will hold an inception meeting and conduct a site visit to clarify agency roles and guide the rollout of these sustainable food production technologies

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