March 18, 2025- The City Planning and Development Office headed by Dr. Mary Jean Ramos, led a meeting and orientation on the Sustainable Program for Resilient and Optimum Urban Transformation (SPROUT) today at the Bacolod City Government Center Lobby.

The event opened with a welcome message from Councilor Kalaw Puentevella, Chairperson of the Committee on Environment, Energy, and Public Utilities, followed by City Administrator Dr. Lucille Gelvolea, who emphasized the urgent need for more green spaces in Bacolod to combat rising heat indices. She highlighted the city’s commitment to addressing climate change through solid waste management while balancing economic development and environmental sustainability.

Dr. Jean Ramos then presented an overview of the SPROUT Project, which aims to tackle urban challenges such as climate change, food security, and sustainable development and solid waste management by transforming underutilized and vacant open spaces, including those of homeowners’ associations and residential subdivisions into productive urban farms and gardens

The project focuses in areas of urban greening, by developing green spaces and revitalizing degraded areas to enhance local food supply; livelihood opportunities, by equipping homeowners and communities and sustainability by promoting eco-friendly farming techniques such as hydroponics and aquaponics; market access, by partnering with the city government and private organizations like hotels and restaurants; and waste management, by establishing a city-wide recycling and bio-waste processing system in collaboration with the Bacolod Environment & Natural Resources Office (BENRO).

The SPROUT Program is a collaborative effort between the City Government of Bacolod, IF Green Technologies, and various stakeholders, including community associations, sectoral groups, and farmers and fisherfolk from Bacolod’s 61 barangays.

This initiative marks a significant step toward making Bacolod a more resilient, greener, sustainable, and environmentally responsible city.

Source – Bacolod City PIO