Daang Bakal, MANDALUYONG CITY - The School for Experiential and Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) Philippines - NCR Campus was officially awarded its Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) Certificate on February 12, 2026, in Mandaluyong City, alongside the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). This milestone strengthens efforts to advance urban agriculture, youth engagement, and food security in Metro Manila.
Located on the rooftop of a five-storey building, SEEDโs urban garden showcases how limited city spaces can be transformed into productive farms. Managed by young urban farmers under SEEDโs experiential learning framework, the site demonstrates innovation and sustainability in urban farming. With its certification, SEED Philippines became the first LSA in Mandaluyong City, the first in the city proper, and the seventh in Metro Manila.
The recognition also highlights SEEDโs role as the agricultural and educational arm of Gawad Kalinga (GK), a national movement known for community development and poverty alleviation. GK has already established more than 150 community food gardens nationwide, with over 3,000 communities gradually building their own food resilience initiatives. SEED Bacolod City Campus is likewise a certified LSA, reflecting the growing reach of SEEDโs agricultural education programs.
The ceremony was attended by leaders and partners from the agriculture and development sectors, including Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter, MNSA, CESO III, Director of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI); Mr. Arielle De Jesus, Agriculturist from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI); Dr. Ruel Mojica, Chairman of SEED Philippines; Mr. Mark Lawrence Cruz, School Director of SEED Philippines; and Mr. Renn Alvin Dave Inopia, Campus Director of SEED Philippines. Their presence underscores the shared commitment to youth leadership, sustainable agriculture, and inclusive development.
As urbanization reshapes Philippine cities, SEED Philippines stands as a model of how agriculture, education, and community development can converge - transforming rooftops into farms, youth into agri-leaders, and communities into centers of resilience and food security.
Written by:ย Lian Janelle DR. Valencia
