TAYABAS CITY, Quezon — December 13 — The Rotaract Club of Lucena South once again carried out its annual Smart Organic Farming initiative at Malao-a/Calantas Elementary School, reinforcing its continued support for sustainable, school-based food production.

The activity featured Dexter Landicho, Assistant Secretary and a licensed professional agriculturist, who delivered a comprehensive lecture on smart organic farming. Drawing from both policy experience and technical expertise, he discussed practical methods such as soil fertility management, proper crop selection, organic inputs, and sustainable maintenance practices essential to keeping community gardens productive year after year.

This yearly project aligns with the Department of Education’s Gulayan sa Paaralan Program, which promotes school gardens as tools for food security, nutrition improvement, and experiential learning. The community farm at Malao-a/Calantas Elementary School was originally initiated by the Rotaract Club and continues to be sustained through regular engagement, knowledge-sharing, and seasonal planting activities.

After the lecture, Rotaractors distributed tomato and chili seedlings to the school. Students then participated in a hands-on planting activity, applying the concepts discussed and helping cultivate the garden plots. The activity emphasized responsibility, teamwork, and appreciation for agriculture at a young age.

By implementing this project every year, the Rotaract Club of Lucena South underscores its commitment to continuity and impact—ensuring that both the garden and the knowledge needed to sustain it continue to grow alongside the community it serves.