BAYBAY CITY, Leyte - In celebration of High-Value Crops (HVC) Week this April, the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center VIII (ATI-RTC 8) launched an innovative initiative aimed at strengthening urban agriculture within school dormitories. Titled "Dormitory Verde: Cultivating Green Dorm Spaces," the project highlights the role of the youth in fostering food security, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.
Established under Republic Act 7900, also known as the High-Value Crops Development Act of 1995, HVC Week underscores the importance of high-value crops in food production and economic growth. In line with this advocacy, ATI-RTC 8 seeks to instill an appreciation for food sufficiency and sustainable gardening among students through hands-on agricultural experiences.
Visayas State University (VSU) Dormitories, known for their backyard gardens under the University Interdormitory Student Body (UISB) initiative, serve as a model for this endeavor. These green spaces have demonstrated the successful integration of sustainability with local food security and nutrition. Dormitory Verde further strengthens this movement, inspiring students to engage in resource conservation while fostering a sense of community.
For its inaugural year, five dormitories from VSU’s UISB have joined the competition: Mulberry Men’s Home, Mabolo Men’s Home, Molave Men’s Hall, Mahogany Men’s Hall, and Sunflower Dormitory. Each participating dormitory received gardening essentials—including seeds, fertilizers, and tools—during the project launch on February 21, 2025. A short orientation was conducted by the Project Leader, Ms. Emie O. Uy, providing participants with insights into their responsibilities and expectations for the competition.
Over the next two months, these dormitories will establish and maintain eco-friendly gardens, showcasing creativity, sustainability, teamwork, and innovative planting techniques. While the competition does not expect participants to harvest produce by April, judges will assess dormitories based on plant health, aesthetic appeal, sustainable practices, and community involvement.
Weekly monitoring will be conducted to ensure progress, with final evaluations scheduled in April 2025. The winning dormitory will be announced during the VSU Anniversary celebration, recognizing the efforts of students in promoting urban agriculture and environmental consciousness.
Through Dormitory Verde, ATI-RTC 8 continues its commitment to empowering young individuals in shaping a greener and more sustainable future, reinforcing the significance of urban agriculture in food production and ecological well-being.
