BUTUAN CITY (October 23) — The Department of Agriculture – Caraga (DA-13) has launched a vegetable gardening contest for media practitioners in Agusan del Norte and Butuan City to promote food security and sustainable homegrown food production.
Dubbed “Grow Your Own Food Challenge,” the contest encourages journalists and media groups to set up at least 1,000 square meters of communal or residential vegetable gardens within 30 days.
“We want our media partners to not just report on food security, but to experience it first-hand,” the DA-13 said. “Their influence can inspire more communities to grow their own healthy produce.”
The initiative is spearheaded by DA-13’s Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section. Judging will take place from November 24 to 28, based on garden design, crop maintenance, community participation, and activity documentation.
The top three winners will receive ₱10,000, ₱8,000, and ₱5,000, while four others will get ₱1,500 each in consolation prizes.
“This is proof that even small spaces can make a difference in local food production,” DA-13 added.
