At the inception of Tayo and Kalikasan – Sustainable Regreening and the Art of Composting (TAK-SRAC) project initiated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-PENRO) with the Federation of Lucena Homeowners Association Inc. (FHLAI) in 2019, DTI Quezon became an active partner in the implementation of this project. Galo C. Martinez Jr. Chief, Management Services Division of DENR-PENRO was behind Quezon’s TAK-SRAC project implementation.
In 2021, this has expanded into Project Urban TANIM (Tayo and Kalikasan masaganang ANI para sa Mamamayan) as a pandemic intervention to also address food security which is aligned with HB 8385 which aims to promote urban agriculture. Project resources were also generated as the Department of Agriculture through the Office of the Provincial Agriculture integrated the TAK-SRAC concept. Through this season two (2) garden competition another organization of homeowners joined in the contest – DASSAL (Dangal at Sigla ng Sambahayan ng Lucena Homeowners Association Inc.). Now, the problem to solve garbage issues in the city through this activity is made significant with an added emphasis on food production in urban areas.
Consumer rights to basic needs and a healthy environment are equally addressed in this collaboration by DTI-Quezon as the Consumer Protection and Welfare Division (CPD) participated in the judging and awarding of the contest participants. Julieta L. Tadiosa, Provincial Director of DTI-Quezon, was represented by Lani O. Constantino, OIC-CPD Quezon, during the awarding ceremony.
On 26 November 2021 with the support of Gov. Danilo E. Suarez and Cong. David Suarez of the 2nd Congressional District of Quezon, winners were awarded cash and agri-inputs and equipment as incentives to sustain efforts in this greening activity. A total of 5,000 households in Lucena City and 83 homeowners were considered as the community beneficiaries of this project.
Other guests present were DENR-CALABARZON Regional Executive Director Nilo B. Tamoria, OIC Assistant Center Director (ATI Region 4 A) Dr. Rolando Maningas, 2nd Dist. of Quezon Former Board Member Bong Talabong who assisted in the awarding of winners at the Quezon Convention Center.
Out of the 70 finalists of Project Urban TANIM, below are the 1st places in each category:
Federation of Lucena Homeowners’ Association (FLHAI):
- Open Space Category-Calmar Homes HOA
- Backyard Category-Germiniano Daez
- Frontyard Category-Ben Del Mundo
- Pocket Category-Nestor Pajarit
Dangal at Sigla ng Sambahayan Ng Lucena Homeowners Assn. Inc. (DASSAL):
- Open Space Category-Villa New Hope HOA Inc.
- Backyard/Frontyard Category-Joebelyn Paredes
- Window Category-Rowena M. Gertez ♦
Date of Release: 6 December 2021