DESPITE living in the urban part of Cebu City, 60-year-old Narcisa Sabellano has managed to cultivate her farm in Barangay Bulacao.
“Many would think that farming is just in mountain areas, but even in the lowland, farming is still doable. Ever since I was 17 years old, our farm was already existing. And up until now, even if houses and other structures are already occupying the city, our farm is still there,” Sabellano said.
Sabellano is a resident of Barangay Bulacao, a barangay in the south and lowland part of the city.
Just a few meters away from where she is living, Sabellano and her husband cultivate their three-hectare farm.
“For those who think that urban farming is impossible, I encourage them to try it,” she said.
Sabellano said that because of farming, she was able to send her five children to school and they are all professionals now.
She is among the leaders of the women’s group in Barangay Bulacao under the Barangay Mayor’s Office who encourage her neighbors to do urban gardening.
On Wednesday, Nov. 14, Barangay Bulacao was among the barangays that participated in this year’s Farmer’s Day celebration.
Sabellano, along with her fellow members of the Barangay Bulacao Women’s Group, showcased a glimpse of urban farming.
Over 500 farmers who are mostly from the mountain barangays of the city participated in this year’s Farmer’s Day celebration.
City Agriculturist Apple Tribunalo said that this year’s celebration is the grandest so far.
The celebration aims to showcase the produce of mountain barangays and help the farmers.
At present, the city has around 14,000 farmers.
Farmer’s Day 2018 has four contests including the float parade contest, best in urban gardening, booth display, and flower arrangement.
A total of 17 barangays joined the parade of floats competition, 24 barangays for booth display and 12 for the urban gardening category.
Barangay Malubog won the first prize of the float category, while Barangay Guba won the second prize and Barangay Taptap third prize.
For booth display, Barangay Pamutan won the first prize, Barangay Adlaon won second and Barangay Tabunan third.
Barangay Busay won the prize for the best flower arrangement. (RVC)