TEINHS

By Mariel Mae A. Alvis

As part of the Hillyland Agriculture Sustainability Help, Technical Assistance, and Guide in Farming (HASHTAG Farming) program, the DA-BSWM National Soil and Water Resources Research and Development Center for Hillyland Pedo-Ecological Zone (NSWRRDC HILLPEZ) collaborated with Tanay East Integrated National High School (TEINHS) to conduct a training session on organic input production on March 6, 2025. The training was attended by 91 students from Grade 7-Rose and Grade 8-Bonifacio, aimed at enhancing their knowledge and skills for the implementation of the school’s Rural Farm School (RFS) program.

Experts from DA-BSWM NSWRRDC HILLPEZ led the training as resource speakers. In the first session, Agriculturist II Marco T. Macopia discussed vermicomposting, an effective composting method using earthworms to produce organic fertilizer. This was followed by Agriculturist II Aubrey Ann B. Ayaton-Carneo, who presented plant supplements, particularly organic solutions for crops. Agriculturist I John Mark M. Carneo then introduced the mokusaku technology, a method for producing organic pesticides to control pests such as insects.

The second part of the program featured hands-on activities where students prepared vermitea, a liquid fertilizer derived from vermicompost. They also created plant supplements such as fermented fruit juice (FFJ) and fermented plant juice (FPJ), which will be used for the school's existing crops.

RFS Coordinator Mrs. Jaymarie V. Curiba expressed her delight at the successful completion of the training. She also emphasized the intention to continue such collaborations for the benefit of both students and teachers in TEINHS as they implement the Rural Farm School program. The goal of this initiative is not only to impart knowledge but also to contribute to a broader movement toward sustainable agriculture.

The HASHTAG Farming program aims to ensure efficient farming practices through sustainable technologies and methods, including the use of organic fertilizers, cost-efficient irrigation, and ecological approaches to maintain soil health and improve crop yields.

With the support of DA-BSWM, the agency responsible for promoting effective and timely soil and water conservation methods, under the leadership of Director Gina Parde-Nilo, Ph.D., and Assistant Director Denise A. Solano, the DA-BSWM NSWRRDC HILLPEZ, headed by Center Chief Joven P. Espineli, continues to collaborate with institutions and schools to share knowledge and skills in soil and water conservation. Through initiatives like this, DA-BSWM strengthens community capacity in implementing effective environmental conservation practices.