The Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering (DAFE) is strengthening its partnership with the School for Experiential and Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) Philippines through initiatives that bring together agricultural engineering, education, innovation, research, and community development.
SEED Philippines, the educational arm of Gawad Kalinga, is a pioneering agri-school system that aims to develop the next generation of youth agri-leaders in the Philippines through experiential learning, organic agriculture, and agri-entrepreneurship. It operates training sites and community farms that provide young people with opportunities to learn and engage in agriculture. Meanwhile, Gawad Kalinga (GK) Community Development Foundation is a non-government organization (NGO) that aims to build caring and sharing communities toward poverty alleviation. It seeks to empower communities not only by providing their basic necessities, but also by actively involving community members in building sustainable communities that address concerns in housing, education, environment, and health.
Sharing the same commitment and advocacy for youth empowerment and nation-building, DAFE formalized its partnership with SEED Philippines through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). Through this partnership, DAFE contributes its academic and technical expertise to support the development of the community and its agricultural initiatives.
One of DAFE's key
contributions to the partnership is the development of the site master plan for
the four-hectare Gawad Kalinga property. Drawing from its expertise in
agricultural and biosystems engineering, DAFE worked on the strategic planning
of the site to accommodate the school buildings, farm production areas, and
other facilities while taking into consideration the existing features of the
land.
Inception meeting and site visit to GK Hugo Perez (Photo courtesy of Ms. Norhaya Vasquez Demacaling)
The planning
process involved conceptualizing strategic locations of the buildings,
geotagging existing large trees to minimize clearing and avoid unnecessary tree
removal, and developing the overall site development plan. These efforts aim to
create a functional space where education, agricultural production, and
community activities can be integrated.
Moreover, the partnership also includes research initiatives. Two BS Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (BSABE) students are currently conducting a study on the growth and yield performance of chili under a subsurface irrigation system, a technology developed by AgriGaia Resilient AgriTech. This study provides an opportunity for the students to apply their knowledge and explore technologies that can support more efficient agricultural production.
As part of this continuing collaboration, DAFE participated in the launching of the Filipino-Formosa Flagship Farm (F4) on August 27, 2026, at GK Hugo Perez, Trece Martires City, Cavite. The initiative is a collaborative effort of Gawad Kalinga, SEED Philippines, Cavite State University, and AgriGaia Resilient AgriTech that aims to showcase technologies and practices that support efficient and sustainable agricultural production.
The event brought together representatives from various sectors, including national government agencies, local government units, non-government organizations, farmers and farmers' cooperatives, private institutions, and the academe. It opened with sharing stories highlighting the development of the community and the shared vision behind the initiative. A heartwarming message was also delivered by Dr. Ruel Mojica, Chairperson of SEED Philippines, followed by the stories from beneficiaries who shared their experiences and how this has contributed to their lives and communities.
Dr. Ruel M. Mojica delivering his keynote speech (Photo courtesy of Gawad Kalinga Facebook Page)
The program proceeded with the MOA signing, followed by the unveiling of the production sites with a Taiwan technology irrigation system, proposed farm school, and other significant facilities, marking another step toward the development of an integrated space for agricultural learning, production, youth empowerment, and community development.
Unveiling and groundbreaking ceremony of the SEED Cavite and Capati Productivity Center (Photo courtesy of Gawad Kalinga Facebook Page)
The event provided
opportunities for knowledge exchange, technology demonstration, networking, and
identification of potential areas for future research, extension, training, and
community engagement. It highlighted the value of collaboration among different
sectors in advancing agricultural development and promoting modern technologies
in farming.
Students, alumni, faculty, and staff of Cavite State University during the launching of the Filipino-Formosa Flagship Farm (Photo courtesy of Gawad Kalinga Facebook Page)
Through initiatives
such as the F4, the partnership creates opportunities for youth development,
agricultural innovation, and community empowerment. For DAFE, it demonstrates
how agricultural and biosystems engineering can extend beyond agricultural production
to the planning and development of spaces where education, research,
technology, agriculture, and community development converge (MSPerido).
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