IN ORDER TO address the region’s food security issues, encourage year-round crop cultivation, and improve food production in urban and peri-urban areas, the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office VIII (DA RFO 8) through National Urban and Peri-Urban Program (NUPAP) officially launched an intensive hydroponics training program in Barangay Kahupian, Sogod, Southern Leyte, from April 4 to May 12, 2025.
The goal of said two-month-long capacity building initiative is to empower farmers, agricultural technicians, and urban gardeners by providing them with innovative, sustainable, and resource-efficient hydroponic farming techniques.
In collaboration with the DA’s Research Division, Agricultural Program Coordinating Office (APCO), and Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), the NUPAP spearheaded the activity, equipping the agricultural technical staff of Sogod Municipal Agriculture Office headed by Julito V. Abihay and LGU Agriculture Consultant Dioscardo B. Aguelo, Sr.
On its first day, the participants received a thorough introduction during the training pertaining to the fundamentals of greenhouse hydroponics, covering its design, operation, and maintenance.
In addition, proper seed sowing techniques for hydroponic systems, nutrient management, and troubleshooting common challenges in soil-less farming were also thoroughly discussed during said activity. The training also included hands-on demos, which gave participants the opportunity to set up and operate hydroponic systems directly, reinforcing their learning.
By the program’s conclusion, accordingly, participants should be able to support the growth of urban agricultural projects and be instrumental in advancing climate-resilient and sustainable food production in the area; and that after the said training, participants are expected to impart the expansion of urban agriculture initiatives and help in promoting sustainable and climate-resilient food production in Eastern Visayas. (By Gwen Maurillo / EV Mail APRIL 7-13, 2025 issue)
