– Ashley Nicole T. Nacario

In celebration of Earth Day 2024, the Senior High School Student Government of LPU Cavite International School initiated ROOTS: Reaching Out, Organizing Opportunities, and Transforming Societies. Aligned with SDG 15: Life on Land, the ROOTS program aims to promote environmental awareness and sustainability among students and the community.

On of the highlihgts of the ROOTS program an urban garden activity called Platreach at Brgy. Buenavista III, General Trias City, Cavite, On April 18, 2024, SHS Student Government Officers and members of the Executive Committees, together with Dr. Catherine Cababa, Head of Community and Outreach Service Learning Office, Ms. Kresha Joy Ciocson-Delmo, SHS Student Government adviser and Administrative Coordinator of International School, and local government and residences from Brgy. Buenavista III went to the allotted area to prepare the plot. Gardeners from the area helped the students dig the soil, even letting the students experience firsthand farming skills by using the tools to properly dig out the soil.

The actual planting was held last April 25, 2024, where student officers diligently planted seedlings including pechay, eggplants, spring onions, and tomatoes. They began by watering and spraying insecticide on the soil, then proceeded to dig holes for planting the seedlings. 

Shawn Valdez, one of the student leaders, shared his experience from the Urban Gardening Activity: “Honestly, I enjoyed it more than I was expecting. It’s not the type of activity I’d normally see myself participating in, but I am glad to have done it nonetheless. As student leaders, we’re meant to set an ideal example for those around us, and I promote environmentalism in even the smallest ways that help us reach that goal.”

This initiative aims to promote sustainable agriculture and community involvement in urban gardening, fostering a greener environment and healthier living.