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Makilala, North Cotabato — Following the official launch of the Unibersidad at Kumunidad (UniK) Extension Program, the University of Southern Mindanao–Extension Services Office (USM-ESO), in partnership with the Inter-Cultural Organizations’ Network for Solidarity and Peace (ICON-SP), conducted a site validation and environmental scanning on April 25, 2025, at Caritas IP Kasunayan Village, Barangay San Vicente, Makilala, Cotabato.
The activity was part of UniK Project 4: Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Urban Spaces, led by Dr. Joan P. Sadoral, Extension Coordinator of the College of Agriculture (CA), and Dr. Geoffray R. Atok, Director of the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC). The primary objective was to assess the suitability of the identified site for vegetable production, particularly for establishing a community demonstration farm and garden.
A follow-up environmental scanning was later conducted by Mr. Julbasar M. Sajiran, Extension Coordinator from the College of Trades and Industries (CTI). His evaluation focused on identifying relevant skills training needs, such as basic livelihood skills, food processing, and sustainable trades, to support community development efforts.
In an interview, Dr. Sadoral confirmed the site’s viability for vegetable farming.
“The area is well-suited for ground vegetable production because it has a nearby water source,” she said.
She also emphasized the social and economic benefits the project could bring to the residents, particularly for women in the community.
“We envision sustainable vegetable production that can serve as an income source, especially for mothers at home. It can also contribute to household food security and nutrition,” she added.
The CA Extension Team is set to implement a series of trainings covering land preparation, crop management practices, pest and disease identification and control, and community seed banking. These will be applied through hands-on learning at the community’s demonstration farm and collective garden, aimed at equipping the residents of Kasunayan Village with practical and sustainable farming knowledge.
