Baguio boosts environmental, climate resilience initiatives

BAGUIO CITY — The City Government of Baguio City, through its City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVO), continues to strengthen its commitment to environmental protection, preservation and climate change adaptation. These efforts are aimed at ensuring sustainable agricultural production in the city.

City Veterinarian Dr. Silardo Bested shared that CVO’s initiatives have significantly contributed to advancing the local government’s environmental goals. These include promoting eco-friendly practices, efficient land use and renewable energy sources, all of which support the city’s strategic goals on the environment, land use, and energy.

“The production and distribution of fruit tree seedlings have had a positive impact, encouraging agroforestry and biodiversity. Compliance by farmers with good agricultural practices ensures sustainable farming initiatives that minimize environmental degradation,” Bested explained.

The incorporation of solar-powered greenhouses into urban landscapes has also played a key role in improving air quality, reducing the urban heat island effect, and creating eco-friendly urban food production systems. These greenhouses not only serve as spaces for sustainable agriculture but also provide recreational and educational opportunities for the community.

Bested further emphasized that these efforts contribute to enhancing the city’s resilience to climate-related disasters. By providing climate-resilient agricultural interventions, Baguio is better equipped to withstand and recover from such events. “Greenhouses and grow tunnels create controlled environments that protect crops from extreme weather conditions like heatwaves, storms and heavy rainfall,” he said.