TO FURTHER expand its learning hubs, the Quezon City University has opened its Center for Urban Agriculture and Innovation.

“This is part of our effort to create a smart and sustainable city. Through this Center for Urban Agriculture, we can learn how to further expand our urban farming initiatives and include our students and other stakeholders in the process,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

The center will develop livelihood projects and conduct training and development activities to enable QCU to incorporate urban agriculture into its curriculum in the future.

Aside from these programs, it will have a bee farm with an initial five bee colonies funded by the QCU cooperative.

The university also refurbished an old metal craft building on its campus to become a Honey House which will be used as a training venue for participants.

“This program is to reinforce our commitment to the sustainability of QC’s urban farming initiatives. With our vast campus grounds, we aim to maximize it by incorporating programs and projects that are aligned with the development goals of the city government,” Dr. Theresita Atienza, QCU president, said.

The Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Training Institute provided P14.5 million to help develop the center with the guidance of the QC Government’s Sustainable Development Affairs Unit.