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TUPAD beneficiaries aid in the harvesting of local fresh products in the greenhouse facility inside the Tala Hospital in Caloocan. (PIA-NCR) by: Janna Marie Pineda QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – The Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium (DJNRMHS), better known as the Tala Hospital in Caloocan City, is making a significant stride in revolutionizing the healthcare landscape by integrating urban farming within the hospital premises to grow food for the consumption of patients, personnel, and beneficiary communities. The establishment of a Greenhouse Facility with Hydroponics within the vicinity of DJNRMHS is a food security initiative that materialized through the joint program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Health (DOH) to enhance public health through sustainable agriculture.  Malnutrition, in particular, is a key public health issue that confronts the country. It is found that Filipinos only consume 60 kilograms of vegetables per year which is only half of the average 120 kilograms necessary for proper nutrition. The lack of farm lands to cultivate crops presents a challenge, too, knowing that 10,000 hectares of land is needed to grow 60 kilograms of vegetables per household. An urbanization-associated challenge that the promotion of urban agriculture seeks to solve. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. highlighted that by bringing access to nutritious food directly to the healthcare environment, it does not only offer therapeutic opportunities for patients towards recovery but also advance the food security and self-sufficiency initiatives of the country. “The challenges of our times demand integrated solutions. As urbanization reshapes our landscapes, access to nutritious food and green spaces becomes increasingly critical, considering the rise of non-communicable diseases compounded by malnutrition and food security, reminding us that public health is simply intertwined with agriculture,” said Laurel.  Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, for his part, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Department of Health (DOH) in creating more spaces for urban farming in public health institutions, especially in government-owned health facilities. “Urban farming is not just about growing food. It’s about transforming our relationship with food and our environment, and creating a healthy and sustainable local food system that directly benefits the communities we serve,” Herbosa stressed.  “By integrating urban farming to the systems of public health institutions, we not only provide better care for our patients, but also take a significant step towards Universal Health Care for everyone,” he added. The DA Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) leads the establishment of greenhouse facilities in identified health institutions through the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) which not only facilitates the provision of the urban farming site but also the agricultural input, equipment, and training. A total of 15 sites in eight (8) regions across the country have been identified for the pilot implementation of the “Enhancing Public Health Through Sustainable Agriculture” urban farming project as of August 2024. Nine (9) of these have already started implementing the project and harvested local fresh products from their urban farms. Beyond the achievement of a food-secure future for Filipino families, the advancement of urban agriculture also taps into environmental protection and circular economy. The DJNRMHS has a demonstrated background in the promotion of circular economy. It can be recalled that the Livelihood, Education, and Rehabilitation Center (LERC) in Caloocan is one of the beneficiary communities of Tala hospital whom they helped gain access to green jobs through the establishment of Green Kapé and the localized implementation of the “Tulong Panghanapbuhay para sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers” (TUPAD). READ: A story of humanity hides inside the Green Kapé Cancer survivor gains employment opportunity through TUPAD Urban farming is not just a trend, but rather a way forward to establish healthier communities. (JMP/PIA-NCR) |
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