Through the generosity of sponsors and with the help of volunteers, PLDT and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have established six PlantSmart GrowHubs in Northern Mindanao over the past year. Flourishing in Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro (CDO), the program has not only provided institutions with access to healthy produce but has helped cultivate an appreciation for agriculture and technology among the youth.
The PlantSmart GrowHub started in Smart’s headquarters in Makati City in 2022, with PLDT’s regional office in CDO following soon after, aiming to bring nutritious food closer to employees while promoting urban gardens in idle spaces. “The initiative has helped us appreciate vegetable gardening and inspired other employee-volunteers to have their own gardens at home,” said volunteer Arfe Morales.
PLDT and Smart First Vice President Debbie Tan was also inspired to donate more GrowHubs in Bukidnon as part of her Christmas giving last year. “Bukidnon holds a special place in my heart. After visiting the Jesuit missions there, I made it my goal to create special Christmas projects annually, to aid in their development. Smart’s initiatives always provide good choices. I knew PlantSmart GrowHub was the perfect fit, and friends were happy to contribute!” she shared.
In partnership with non-government organization Kids Who Farm (KWF), the project has since produced six GrowHubs in Indigenous Peoples (IP) and Jesuit communities, including the Jesuit Retreat House in Malaybalay, Pangantucan Community High School (HS), St. Therese of Miarayon HS, St. Isidore HS, and Fr. Leoni Memorial School, and Apu Palamguwan Cultural Education Center.
Inspiring the youth to view agriculture as a viable source of livelihood in the future, KWF trained dozens of IP youth on soil-less agriculture, the entrepreneurial mindset, and basic digital marketing.
Maydene Demesana, KWF’s lead volunteer, said, “The GrowHub project has had a profound impact on the community, especially the youth, instilling a new appreciation for agriculture. This has also improved food production for the students, faculty and scholars.”
Through the online learning series Kalye Mabunga, PLDT and Smart also hope to encourage communities to follow the movement and be a #PlantSmart champion of sustainability through edible gardening.
These initiatives are aligned with the Group’s commitment to help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals #2: Zero Hunger, #3: Good Health and Well-Being, #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and #12 Responsible Consumption and Production.
