Tagum Cooperative (TC) is once again blazing a trail toward a more sustainable future with the exciting relaunch of its “Search for the Most Green Advocate: Community Gardening Contest.” After a successful inaugural run in Tagum City last year, this year’s contest has taken root in Panabo City, thanks to a dynamic partnership with the City Agricultural Office of Panabo. This inspiring initiative seeks to ignite positive environmental change by encouraging residents to embrace sustainable gardening practices and join hands in building a healthier, eco-friendly community.
But this contest is far more than just a friendly competition—it’s a rallying cry for environmental stewardship. With participation from several farmer associations and barangays, including KIOFA, PSFA, and GKDA, the contest showcases both organic and inorganic gardening methods, celebrating diversity in sustainability. It fosters a spirit of unity, proving that every individual can play a role in protecting the planet.
To ensure the success of participants, Tagum Cooperative, in collaboration with the City Agricultural Office of Panabo, has already hosted two key capability training seminars. The first, held on September 4, 2024, focused on Sustainable Farming Practices and Principles, drawing forty eight (48) eager participants to the Datu Abdul Gymnasium. This seminar equipped attendees with practical, eco-friendly agricultural techniques they can implement in their own gardens and farms.
On September 10, 2024, a second seminar—Concoctions Making Skills Development—introduced participants to an innovative approach in creating natural fertilizers and pesticides using locally available materials. This hands-on training empowers farmers to move away from harmful chemicals, enhancing soil health while promoting organic farming methods that are better to the environment.
The results of these seminars have been nothing short of inspiring. Participants reported not only increased knowledge and confidence but also a strong commitment to applying their newfound skills. The Concoctions Making training, in particular, has been hailed as a game-changer, equipping farmers with sustainable techniques that improve both productivity and environmental impact.
Through these efforts, Tagum Cooperative is proving its unwavering commitment to sustainability. By teaming up with the City Agricultural Office of Panabo, TC highlights the power of public-private partnerships in driving meaningful community development. The ripple effects are already being felt—residents are more engaged in sustainable practices, farmers are empowered with eco-friendly skills, and the community is uniting around a shared vision of a greener future.
The contest’s winners will receive special recognition during the Binulig Festival, a grand celebration of Panabo City’s agricultural heritage. Tagum Cooperative will play a prominent role as a stakeholder and partner, showcasing its commitment to environmental sustainability. TC representatives will also serve on the judging panel, ensuring that the most deserving green advocates are honored.
With each garden planted, Tagum Cooperative continues to lead the charge toward a sustainable, eco-conscious future, proving that small steps can indeed make a big impact on the health of our planet. Angenel Clariz D. Rufon