BAYBAY CITY, Leyte - After the success and warm reception of the first Dormitoryo Verde in April 2025, ATI–RTC 8 kicked off the second edition of the program on October 14, 2025. This new phase is launched in partnership with the Visayas State University (VSU) through the University Supreme Student Council (USSC) and the University Inter-Dormitory Student Body (UISB). Dormitoryo Verde continues to promote the use of backyard and rooftop gardens, as well as indoor cultivation systems, to ensure a steady supply of nutritious food. It also underscores the importance of accessible, homegrown, and high-value crops in achieving nutritional balance.
Before its launching, a coordination meeting was held between the USSC and UISB presidents and the HVCD Program staff of ATI–RTC 8 to explore collaboration opportunities, particularly in VSU’s efforts to restore dormitory gardens. During the meeting, USSC President Kyle Ambid presented a sustainability initiative practiced by the 4-H Club of Bohol—the “Food Always in the Home (FAITH)” program. Its objectives include ensuring a continuous supply of fresh, nutritious, and often organically grown vegetables for families. The initiative also emphasizes sustainability practices, including compost development, which the USSC intends to spearhead so that students can produce their own fertilizer for their dormitory gardens.
Given its alignment with the goals of Dormitoryo Verde, the convening groups agreed to incorporate FAITH into ATI–RTC 8’s proposal for the program’s second edition. The integrated proposal was later presented to the UISB General Assembly, organized by UISB President Catherine Labringao, to prepare students for a university-wide dormitory garden restoration initiative under Dormitoryo Verde. From the original five (5) pilot gardens, the new season will now involve all twenty-five (25) VSU dormitories.
The program was officially titled “Dormitoryo Verde (Second Bloom): Food Always in the Home” and was formally presented on October 14, 2025 during the REAP Excellence Awards of ATI–RTC 8 in celebration of the National Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Services Month. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between ATI and VSU, represented by ATI–RTC 8 Center Director Ms. Hazel Grace T. Taganas and VSU President, Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes. Serving as witnesses were VSU Vice President for Student Affairs and Services, Dr. Aleli Villocino, USSC President Mr. Kyle Ambid, UISB President Ms. Catherine Labringao, and ATI–RTC 8 HVCD Program Focal Person Ms. Emie Omila.
To further inspire the students, the Most Sustained Dormitory award was announced during the launching. Following the culmination of the first Dormitoryo Verde last April, ATI–RTC 8 conducted a surprise garden evaluation among the five participating dormitories. Mulberry Men’s Home emerged as the champion, followed by Molave Men’s Hall in second place, and Mabolo Men’s Home in third.
As a kick-off for students beginning their dormitory gardens for the new season, a Training on Urban Gardening was held on November 17, 2025. The activity aimed to orient students on proper seed sowing, seedling management and transplanting, plant care and maintenance, and urban gardening practices that will help them maximize their dormitory spaces.
At the end of the activity, students received their garden kits, which included assorted seeds, fertilizer, and basic gardening tools. They also expressed their commitment to the initiative by signing the Dormitoryo Verde commitment wall.
With each seed sown and every small space transformed into a thriving garden, the VSU community is taking meaningful steps toward food security, sustainability, and shared responsibility. As Dormitoryo Verde enters its Second Bloom, the students are reminded that growth begins with a single act of care—and together, they can cultivate a greener, healthier, and more resilient campus.
