2024 Batch 2

NSWRRDC HILLPEZ Empowers Youth through SHiFT for SWaC Agriculture Batch 2

By Marco T. Macopia

The second batch of the Training Program entitled, Sustainable Hillyland Farming Technologies and Practices for Soil and Water Conservation and Management for Agriculture (SHiFT for SWaC Agriculture), was conducted by the DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) National Soil and Water Resources Research and Development Center for HillyLand Pedo-Ecological Zone (NSWRRDC HillPEZ). Held last 04 September 2024, at the Department of Social Works and Development – National Training School for Boys (DSWD-NTSB) in Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal, is the NSWRRDC’s effort to promote sustainable agricultural practices and empower vulnerable youth.

This Training was attended by 21 Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) and five House Parents. It covered the topic “Wastong Pangangalaga ng Lupa sa mga Dahilig na Lugar,” addressing vital agricultural issues specific to hillyland environments. The participants were introduced to the characteristics of hillyland soils, soil erosion and the issues that come with it, the concept of soil conservation, and various soil conservation technologies and practices.

During the hands-on portion of the training, participants constructed A-frames and used them in a practical demonstration of contour establishment, bringing the concepts they learned into practical application. The activity aimed to instill both environmental awareness and practical agricultural skills.

DSWD-NTSB Center Head, Joanna L. Hizon, expressed her gratitude towards NSWRRDC HILLPEZ for organizing the Training. "Hopefully maging tuloy-tuloy na po ito. Maging series na siya. Kasi hindi lang po ang mga batang ito ang gustong matuto. We have 199 residents... marami pa po kayong matutulungang mga bata kung saka-sakali," Hizon said in her Closing Remarks, hoping for a long-term partnership between the two agencies.

Led by Center Chief Joven P. Espineli, the National Soil and Water Resources Research and Development Center for Hillyland Pedo-Ecological Zone remains committed to promoting sustainable hillyland farming practices and forging partnerships that uplift vulnerable communities through education and capacity building.