I am Jason, a Bachelor of Education Studies student at the UP Open University, and here is my instructional design plan for an urban gardening education program for residents in my community.
I live in Brgy. Batong Malake, a barangay that is located next to a Center of Excellence in Agriculture Education (University of the Philippines - Los Baños), and yet, unfortunately, not all residents, especially the less privileged ones, have the same access to quality agricultural education as those enrolled in that university. One area I want to see improved is urban gardening, and I believe learning more about urban gardening is necessary to combat food security amid food inflation and promote environmental stewardship and protection in a world threatened by anthropogenic climate change. That is why I have decided to center my planned program on these two aspects.
I would like to express my deepest appreciation to those who have contributed to the success of my Special Project. I am thankful for my EDS 199 Faculty in Charge, Sir Ley Gripal, for his unwavering support and guidance throughout my journey in applying my skills and knowledge in instructional design to practice.
I am also deeply indebted to my gatekeeper, Mr. Marco Felix Valdez, for his indispensable assistance in connecting me with marginalized residents of Brgy Batong Malake, Los Baños, Laguna. His knowledge and insights were crucial in understanding their specific needs and challenges, particularly food insecurity and calls for environmental stewardship.
Moreover, I would like to thank my content expert, Dr. Marco Espino, who oversees the Edible Garden at University of the Philippines Los Baños, for his invaluable contributions to the instructional design of my urban gardening education program, Seeds of Change. His knowledge in urban agriculture and his passion for community development enriched my instructional design materials and ensured the effectiveness and relevance of the program.
I am also grateful for UPLB-CAFS faculty member Sheryl G. Iballa, MaEd. LPT., for her insightful feedback and suggestions on improving the content, instructional design, and technical design of my program, which helped in enhancing the accessibility of my instructional materials.
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to my family for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout this term. Their love and belief helped me overcome challenges and stay motivated.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge Ms. Cheryll Laviña-Gonzales of the Los Baños Municipal Agricultural Office, UPLB iCrops (Institute of Crop Sciences) director Dr. Eureka Ocampo, and Barangay Captain Hon. Ian Kalaw of Brgy. Batong Malake, for their valuable inputs to this Special Project. Their expertise and resources played a part in the development and implementation of the Seeds of Change urban gardening education program.