The UP Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) launched the UPOU Lifestyle Garden on 31 July 2024 at the UPOU Teaching and Learning Hub. The initiative is part of the university’s celebration of Nutrition Month this July 2024.
Dr. Joane V. Serrano, Dean of UPOU FMDS, officially opened the program and welcomed all guests, especially officials from partner baranggays in Los Baños, Laguna — Brgy. Maahas, Brgy. San Antonio, and Brgy. Putho-Tuntungin. Dr. Serrano explained why FMDS came up with the initiative. “Lifestyle garden has many health benefits, and we hope this can be replicited in your barangays and homes.” Dr. Myra D. Oruga, FMDS Faculty Member, then shared a short introduction about the Benefits of Lifestyle gardening. “You are what you eat,” she started, then explained that whatever is eaten by people is reflected in their bodies and immune systems. “The concept of lifestyle gardening integrates gardening with healthy living,” she stated.
After the short program, all participants proceeded to the Perma G.A.R.D.E.N area, where a human-shaped plot was carved out. Every barangay was assigned a “body” part where they could plant seedlings that are beneficial to that body part. The planting was led by Ms. Jane Reodanga, PERMA Garden staff, and other staff members of FMDS.
The UPOU lifestyle gardening initiative is UPOU’s response to SGD 3, 12, 13, 15, and 17 and is in line with UP Strategic Plan 6, Active and Collaborative Partnerships, and UP Strategic Plan 8, Expansion of Public Service Offices.
Written byAnna Cañas-Llamas • Edited by Myra C. Amodiel ♦ Photos by Anna Mhari Duria
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