THE Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) has trained staff members of Bahay ni Maria in Calamba, Laguna, on edible gardening that will augment the food supply of the home for abandoned elderly persons and children with special needs.
A total of 13 staff members of the home were trained by the Partnerships Unit (PU) and Research and Thought Leadership Department (RTLD) of SEARCA.
SEARCA Director Glenn Gregorio said the initiative is part of the center's ongoing community relations partnership with the Rotary Club of Calamba.
Addressing the trainees, Sharon Malaiba, SEARCA Partnership Unit head, said the center is committed to promoting food and nutrition security.
"Together with the Rotary Club of Calamba, we will assist you in creating an edible garden that will serve as a source of readily available fresh and nutritious produce for the residents of Bahay ni Maria," she said.
Malaiba added that the hands-on training, provision of planting materials and continuous support show a real commitment to making a lasting impact for those under the care of Bahay ni Maria.
Anna Gale Vallez, SEARCA RTLD program specialist, led the training session.
Vallez said the Bahay ni Maria staff members also gained practical knowledge in producing organic plant growth solutions such as fermented plant and fruit juices.
"They also learned the basics of hydroponics and that we will evaluate the progress of their training outputs after a few weeks," she added.
Joseph Matthew Hedreyda, SEARCA PU senior associate for events and visitors, said that the event is "a great way to support the staff members of Bahay ni Maria while benefiting the residents in the long run."
"By teaching them practical gardening skills like making organic fertilizers and setting up hydroponics, SEARCA gives them the tools they need to grow their food and become more self-sufficient," Hedreyda said.
Marie Sosoban of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Fatima, on behalf of the Bahay ni Maria, received from SEARCA planting guides and materials, seedlings and gardening supplies.
SEARCA said other activities in establishing Bahay ni Maria's edible garden include the construction of a greenhouse for seedlings and planting materials.