Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) brought home the 2nd place award in the Academe Category of the highly competitive MorProGRes Garden tilt organized by the Province of Iloilo. The La Guerta Verde De ISAT U, the university’s sustainable agriculture initiative, was recognized for its outstanding efforts in urban gardening and environmental conservation.
The award was personally received by Dr. Rafael Cabarles, Officer-in-Charge of the ISAT U Leon Campus, along with Quiriono Alegaen and Francis Sendin, the coordinator of La Guerta Verde De ISAT U. The awarding ceremony took place on April 12 at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol in Iloilo City.
Amidst stiff competition from 252 entries across local government units, academic institutions, and business sectors, only 32 finalists qualified for the final validation round. In the Academe Category, which featured 51 entries, ISAT U’s La Guerta Verde De ISAT U emerged as the well-deserved runner-up.
The MorProGRes (More Progressive Greening) Garden competition, spearheaded by the Province of Iloilo, aims to promote sustainable urban gardening practices, and raise awareness about environmental conservation efforts. Participants were evaluated based on criteria such as garden design, plant diversity, innovative gardening techniques, and overall environmental impact.
“We are incredibly proud of the La Guerta Verde De ISAT U team for their unwavering dedication and hard work,” stated ISAT U President Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre Jr. “This achievement underscores our university’s commitment to sustainable practices and our role in cultivating a greener, more eco-friendly future for our community.”
Francis Sendin, the coordinator of La Guerta Verde De ISAT U, expressed his gratitude, stating, “This recognition is a testament to the passion and collaborative efforts of our students, faculty, and staff. We will continue to explore innovative ways to promote urban gardening and environmental stewardship within our campus and beyond.
The La Guerta Verde De ISAT U serves as a living laboratory for students and a model for urban gardening initiatives. Through hands-on learning experiences and community outreach programs, the initiative aims to inspire sustainable living practices and promote food security in the region.
PHOTO CREDIT: Francis Sendin
