The Department of Agriculture-Davao (DA-11) is urging residents to engage in backyard or urban gardening amid the rising prices of basic commodities.

DA-11 believes backyard gardening can help residents reduce their daily expenses.

The agency said planting vegetables in small spaces at home can provide families with fresh produce.

DA said food inflation went up to 6.1 percent in April 2026 from 2.7 percent in March due to the high prices of petroleum products.

Food inflation is the rapid increase in the prices of food products.

“Ang backyard gardening importante labaw na karon kay naay krisis...mas okay gyud every panimalay naa tay garden makahatag og pagkaon sainyong panimalay and then maka-reduce na sa atong carbon footprint so makatabang sa atong environment,” DA-11 Senior Agriculturist, Merriel Bernardo, said.

DA-11 continues to distribute free seeds and fertilizers to individuals and groups interested in backyard or community gardening.

Those who wish to avail of the may contact their local agriculture office or message the DA’s Agri info Davao Facebook page for coordination.