For. Bobby B. Alaman - MUCEP Staff
June 4, 2025 1:00 P.M.
144
YOUNG FARMERS FROM MISAMIS UNIVERSITY PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE VERTICAL GARDENING FOR COASTAL RESIDENTS OF BARANGAY BARRA, TUDELA, MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL
On May 14, 2025, third-year Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA) students from the College of Agriculture and Forestry of Misamis University, Philippines, conducted a community extension activity through an on-site lecture and field demonstration on Vertical Gardening at the Barangay Barra Covered Court, Tudela, Misamis Occidental. The half-day event gathered 30 coastal residents and barangay officials, who actively participated in the hands-on learning session.
Mc Cyril Otoc, a third-year BSA student, hosted the event. During the opening program, Barangay Captain Hon. Jimson Faunillan warmly welcomed the facilitators and participants. He expressed his gratitude to Misamis University, notably the College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF), for sharing its technical knowledge and support, which he believes will help improve agricultural productivity among coastal residents. He emphasized that this initiative is highly relevant, especially for residents with limited space, making vertical gardening a sustainable and practical solution.
Agriculturist Ma. Shairah Tubigon, faculty member and Community Extension Coordinator of CAF, expressed her appreciation to the barangay officials of Barra, especially to Hon. Faunillan, for the warm welcome and support. She thanked the residents for their active participation. She expressed her hope that the knowledge shared by the students would empower the community to adopt more sustainable and innovative farming practices.
The lecture session began with Kirl Andry Banque, a third-year BSA student, who discussed Vertical Farming. He explained that vertical farming is the practice of growing crops in vertically stacked layers or on inclined surfaces, often integrated into buildings or small spaces, making it ideal for coastal areas. The method aims to reduce agriculture’s environmental footprint by minimizing land use, conserving water, lowering emissions from transport, and preventing deforestation. Key benefits of vertical gardening include: Efficient space utilization, Reduced water usage, Year-round production and Lower transportation and pesticide costs.
Following this, Eric Aranas, also a third-year BSA student, introduced an eco-friendly approach to pest control through the use of Molasses and Coconut Wine (Tuba) as natural insect attractants. He highlighted the dangers of synthetic pesticides, such as soil and water pollution and biodiversity loss. With the global pesticide market projected to reach $100 billion by 2028, Mr. Aranas emphasized the growing demand for organic and sustainable solutions. He described the mixture of molasses and tuba as a “sweet solution” for environmentally safe pest management, offering: Cost-effectiveness, Eco-friendliness, Chemical reduction, Species selectivity, Accessibility in local markets.
To support the community's start-up gardening efforts, the young farmers donated materials and planting supplies to Barangay Barra officials and residents. These included:
- 10 sacks of pre-mixed soil
- 3 small basins
- 1 sprinkler and one garden sprayer
- 2 sets of garden tools
- 2 vertical garden base boxes with poles and alleys
They also distributed plantable seedlings:
- Squash – 30 pcs
- Pepino – 70 pcs
- Pepper – 50 pcs
- String Beans – 40 pcs
A field demonstration led by Mr. Eric Aranas and supported by his fellow BSA students showcased the actual installation of the vertical gardening structure on a resident’s farm. Other community members observed and interacted during the practical session.
This youth-led initiative from Misamis University reflects the dedication of young farmers to bring innovative, space-saving, and sustainable agricultural practices to communities in need. By integrating environmentally friendly pest management and vertical gardening, this activity contributes to food security, climate resilience, and community empowerment, true to the values of sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
Special thanks to Dr. Mildred Garcia, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Forestry, and Mr. Gether Enario, Assistant Dean, for their unwavering support and guidance. Gratitude is also extended to Ma’am Grace V. Villanueva, Director, and the MUCEP staff for their assistance in facilitating the event. Sincere appreciation goes to University President Dr. Karen Belina F. De Leon for granting the students the opportunity to conduct community outreach.
We also acknowledged the Barangay Council of Barra, led by Hon. Jimson Faunillan, and the community residents for their enthusiastic participation. Lastly, heartfelt thanks to the 3rd Year BSA students for their dedication in providing planting materials and equipment to the coastal residents of Barra.
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