Cultivating Futures: Integrating Hydroponic Gardens into Educational Curricula for Community Resilience and Inter-generational Learning

Authors

Paul M. Cabacungan, Ateneo de Manila UniversityFollow
Reymond P. Cao, Ateneo de Manila UniversityFollow
Bryan Kristofer A. Manabat, Ateneo de Manila University
Isaiah Dale L. Delos Reyes, Ateneo de Manila University
Jan Andrew G. Orocay, Ateneo de Manila University
Karen Ann H. Osiones, Ateneo de Manila University
Maria Theresa Joy G. Rocamora, Ateneo de Manila University
Nerissa G. Cabacungan, Ateneo de Manila UniversityFollow
Romeo C. Rivera, Salapungan National High School
Vina R. Balagtas, Salapungan National High School
Ana Maria S. Noda, Ateneo de Manila University
Virgilio A. Abriol, Ateneo de Manila UniversityFollow
Joeffrey J. Sangalang, Ateneo de Manila University
Carlos M. Oppus, Ateneo de Manila UniversityFollow
Nathaniel Joseph C. Libatique, Ateneo de Manila UniversityFollow
Lea Cristina Macaraig, Ateneo de Manila UniversityFollow
Teresita R. Perez, Ateneo de Manila UniversityFollow
Emma E. Porio, Ateneo de Manila UniversityFollow
Gregory L. Tangonan, Ateneo de Manila UniversityFollow

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

1-1-2025

Abstract

A hydroponics greenhouse laboratory was designed by the Ateneo Innovation Center (AIC). This laboratory is equipped with smart agricultural sensors and monitoring systems. It was designed to complement the learning curriculum of secondary schools. A notable implementation of this laboratory was with Salapungan National High School (SLNHS) in Candaba, Pampanga, a public high school in the Philippines. The laboratory in SLNHS showcases the integration of hydroponics in the curriculum by the science and technology and livelihood teachers. This hands-on approach facilitates the comparison of growth of lettuce among different greenhouse models to optimize crop yield and monitor potential threats from pests, bacteria, or viruses. Similarly, another installation was done with the Ateneo Grade School (AGS) in Quezon City, a private primary school. The efforts with the AGS included primary school teachers establishing a hydroponics greenhouse laboratory to enhance their pedagogical methods. These laboratories are part of AIC’s comprehensive efforts in promoting technology-driven hydroponics through the development of field servers, long range radio (LoRa)-based soil sensors, weather stations, visibility cameras, experimentation with artificial plant growth lighting, analysis of nutrient solutions, and provision of educational seminars and tutorials. AIC’s broad deployment of smart greenhouse laboratory initiative across the Philippines aims to acquaint local leaders, farmers, students, and teachers with technology-driven hydroponics as a sustainable farming alternative and potential source of income, thereby nurturing agricultural innovation and interest. This endeavor aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 1, 4, and 9, highlighting agricultural technologies in fostering sustainability and livelihood development.

Recommended Citation

Cabacungan, P.M. et al. (2025). Cultivating Futures: Integrating Hydroponic Gardens into Educational Curricula for Community Resilience and Inter-generational Learning. In: Nagar, A., Jat, D.S., Mishra, D., Joshi, A. (eds) Intelligent Sustainable Systems. Worlds4 2024. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol 1179. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-9327-3_14