Quezon City, Philippines — The International Potato Center (CIP) Board of Trustees Chair, Professor Helen Hambly, together with Ms. Arma Bertuso, CIP Philippines focal person on Urban Food Systems, visited the Quezon City Government on July 1, 2026, to reinforce collaboration on sustainable food systems, urban farming, and the Vendor Business School (VBS).
The CIP delegation met with officials from the Market Development and Administration Department (MDAD), led by Atty. Mark Anthony C. Aldave, Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department (CCESD), represented by Mr. Francis Ian Agatep, and City Councilor Victor “Vic” Bernardo. The engagement provided exchanges of insights on urban agriculture, root and tuber crops, nature-based solutions, and nutrition-focused market initiatives.
The visit also provided a chance to observe a Vendor Business School session with local market vendors, showcasing ongoing efforts of Quezon City government through the VBS to strengthen vendor capacity and improve urban food environments.
CIP also expressed appreciation to Atty. Edmundo R. Bacatan, Assistant Department Head, and Mr. Ragie Montes, VBS Team Leader of MDAD, for their support and coordination.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration toward more resilient and nutrition-sensitive urban food systems.