Hundreds of vegetable kits were distributed to promote urban gardening among the youth In photo from left, Ms. Kate P. Enriquez from Kabayanan Elementary School; Ms. Cecille Carandang, San Juan City Schools Division Superintendent; Ms. Gladys Baniqued-Turiano, MASHAV Officer; Mr. Brian Geli, Chief of PIO of San Juan City Mayor’s Office
The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines, in cooperation with MASHAV and the City Government of San Juan, celebrates Earth Day 2021 by promoting urban gardening among the youth. A total of 280 vegetable kits were distributed to various elementary and secondary public schools in the city through this project.
Ambassador Rafael Harpaz said that the vegetable kit encourages the young generation to grow their own food in the comfort of their backyards. “The COVID-19 pandemic limits the youth to stay at home. Planting is a fun and exciting activity they can do with their family.” Ambassador Harpaz added.
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora extended his big thanks to the initiative of the embassy. He mentioned as the guest speaker that promoting urban gardening promotes environmental awareness and protection, as well as food security. He also looked forward to inviting Ambassador Harpaz to visit the homes of the children in San Juan once their vegetable garden grew.
Ms. Cecille Carandang, San Juan Schools Division Superintendent, said that the project gives hope and inspiration to the youth of the city and is a step closer to a sustainable and Earth-friendly environment.
MASHAV, Israel’s agency for international development cooperation under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Israel is active in supporting worthy endeavors. The urban gardening project is part of the cooperation between the embassy, MASHAV, and the local government of San Juan.
Among the public schools that participated in the said project are: San Juan National High School Senior High School, San Juan Elementary School, San Perfecto Elementary School, Salapan Elementary School, Pedro Cruz Elementary School, Pinaglabanan Elementary School, West Crame Elementary School, Kabayanan Elementary School, Sta. Lucia Elementary School, and Nicanor Ibuna Elementary School.
The Earth Day celebration of the embassy was held via Zoom on 22 April 2021.