On
October 19, 2024, DAFE spearheaded the "Training on Urban Gardening and Hydroponics" for
Amuyong Elementary School, in collaboration with the Department of Crop Science
(DCS). This training is part of the GEAR Project: Gearing Up Amuyong Elementary
School in Attaining Safe and Sustainable Environment Through Responsive
Extension Services and was held at the SPRINT Training Hall, Cavite State
University, Indang, Cavite.
The
event, facilitated by Engr. Vincent V. Vergara, DAFE faculty, aimed to empower
participants by teaching them sustainable and innovative agricultural
practices. Mr. Jhon Vincent C. Caisip, Co-Project Leader of the GEAR Project,
opened the program with a speech emphasizing the importance of urban gardening
and hydroponics as solutions to modern agricultural challenges. Mr. Angelito B.
Ilagan, President of Feed the Hungry Phil-Am Inc., delivered a special message
expressing their organization’s support for this initiative.
The
training featured several key lectures. Mr. Jhon Vincent C. Caisip, Instructor
from DCS, led the first lecture on Urban Gardening, followed by a hands-on
demonstration. Mr. Jefferson M. Mojica, also from DCS, conducted a session on Snap
Hydroponics, which also included practical exercises. The final lecture was
delivered by Engr. Al Owen Roy A. Ferrera, Assistant Professor of DAFE, who
presented on Recirculating Hydroponics.
One
of the highlights of the training was the Field Visit, facilitated by Engr. John Paulo M. Perido, DAFE faculty, which started at CAFENR
CHARMS, where student agricultural projects from the College of Agriculture,
Forestry, Environment, and Natural Resources (CAFENR) were showcased. The
participants then proceeded to DAFE, where various student thesis projects were
presented, including a hydroponics setup using magnetic water and a system for
oyster mushroom culture. The tour continued at the CvSU Agri-Eco Park and
Technology Demonstration Farm and concluded at the Central Experiment Station,
where an aquaponics setup—another DAFE student thesis—was displayed.
To wrap up the event, participants from Amuyong Elementary School shared their testimonials, expressing their gratitude for the valuable lessons and experiences they gained throughout the training. The event concluded with the awarding of certificates, followed by closing remarks from Jomelito F. Encabo, Principal of Amuyong Elementary School. (VVVergara)
