IIRR and Quezon City LGU Conduct Training on Indigenous Vegetable Production and Seed Saving

Quezon City (September 24–25, 2024) — The International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR), in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Quezon City, conducted a two-day training on indigenous vegetable production, nursery and seedling management, seed saving, food safety, and participatory monitoring, evaluation, and learning (PMEL).

A total of 116 participants (90 women and 26 men) joined the training, which included beneficiaries of the Urban Demo Garden Project from Sunnyville Farm and representatives from six districts in Quezon City (six existing sites and three new sites). Project implementers and target participants engaged in a mix of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on activities facilitated by the training team.

Group photo-op of training participants who are mainly beneficiaries of the Urban Demo Garden

The training aimed to strengthen knowledge on the nutritional, cultural, and agricultural value of traditional and indigenous vegetables, while also enhancing participants’ technical skills in nursery management and seed-saving practices. In addition, the sessions highlighted safe food preparation techniques and introduced PMEL methods to help participants assess the progress and impact of their vegetable production initiatives.

Through this training, IIRR and the Quezon City LGU reaffirmed their commitment to promoting nutrition-sensitive urban agriculture, sustainable farming practices, and the preservation of traditional crops that contribute to food security and community resilience.