The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), through the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), conducted a Training on Community and Vegetable Gardening: Site Selection, Soil Preparation, and Step-by-Step Garden Organization under the project YOUth EmpowermeNt ThroGh InitiativeS in AgriculTural PracticEs, StRategies, and InnovationS (YOUNGSTERS) on February 15, 2026, at the Barangay Hall of Old San Roque, Pili, Camarines Sur.
The activity aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of community members and youth in establishing and managing sustainable community gardens, promote food security at the barangay level, and encourage active participation in agricultural initiatives.
The training was spearheaded by Abigail V. Guinoo, Project Proponent and Director of the Extension Services Division (ESD). The initiative was implemented in partnership with the Local Government of Pili (LGU–Pili) through the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), SK Federation, and Barangay Old San Roque.
A comprehensive discussion on organizing a community garden was delivered by Benjie A. Magallano, CANR Faculty, followed by John Edrald R. Torreña, CANR Faculty, who discussed the basics of vegetable gardening. Both resource persons also addressed questions from participants, who actively engaged throughout the activity.
The project gained strong support from barangay officials, including Joric V. Nacario, Barangay Captain of Old San Roque; Sally M. Hernandez, Barangay Kagawad and Committee Chair on Agriculture; Jorge Bartilet, Barangay Kagawad; and Adrian N. Abellado, SK Chairman, who actively participated and expressed their commitment to sustaining the initiative.
Also present during the activity was Rodel M. Garbeles, OAP Focal Person from the MAO–Pili, who generously provided gardening tools as startup support for the barangay community garden.
As part of the training, the facilitators and participants conducted a site visit to the proposed community garden area. The resource persons assessed the site, provided recommendations on layout and soil preparation, and guided participants in planning the garden’s organization.
The activity concluded with a shared affirmation of the “3Cs” of Barangay Old San Roque: Commitment, Collaboration, and a Compassionate Heart, highlighting the collective dedication of stakeholders in sustaining community-based agricultural initiatives. | 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘌𝘚𝘋
