Cadiz City in Negros Occidental is advocating the rooftop farming system as a model for sustainable agriculture and urban greening.
It is part of the initiatives that made the northern Negros city the top winner in the competition for Best Local Government Unit (LGU) Booth compliant with Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 in the just-concluded 29th Panaad sa Negros Festival.
“The award affirms that Cadiz continues to shine as a symbol of excellence and sustainability in the province,” Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. said in a statement on Wednesday.
The innovative farming system being practiced by the LGU was featured during the week-long festival as the “Cadiz City Green Roof” planted with upland kangkong, spring onion, garlic chives, RC27 rice, lettuce, pechay, sweet potatoes, and malabar spinach.
Escalante said the eco-friendly rooftop garden is not just an exhibit space, but also depicts a sustainable architectural design seamlessly embodying the city’s commitment to environmental consciousness.
“It is a strong testament to our vision of integrating food security with eco-friendly practices,” he added.
The mayor said they are promoting the rooftop farming system as a model for sustainable agriculture and urban greening to demonstrate how cities can utilize available spaces to cultivate food and promote environmental sustainability.
“The rooftop rice paddies and vegetable garden symbolize Cadiz’s rich agricultural heritage that highlighted its proactive approach to addressing climate change and ensuring food security,” Escalante said.
Urban greening is an initiative that incorporates green spaces and elements into urban environments and infrastructure such as streets, roofs, and walls.
The Cadiz City pavilion also showcased its sustainable waste management practices through the “Waste to Worth, Shoot for Circular Economy!” initiative.
During the festival, the LGU encouraged visitors to deposit plastic bottles in exchange for points that could be used to avail of local products displayed by micro, small, and medium enterprises. (PNA)