In celebration of National Garden Month, TESDA Regional Training Center – Korea-Philippines Vocational Training Center (RTC-KorPhil), Davao, officially launched a campus-wide greening initiative on April 21, 2025, which will run until June 2025, with the theme “Growing Green at RTC-KorPhil: Planting Seeds for a Sustainable Future.”
The activity, spearheaded by the KorPhil Davao Student Council in collaboration with the Innovation, Research, and Green TVET Team, forms part of a broader institutional campaign to promote sustainability. The event is aligned with a series of environmental efforts in observance of Earth Month and the Green TVET Week campaign led by TESDA Region XI.
Anchored in TESDA’s Green TVET Framework, the initiative supports the pillars of “Greening the Campus” and “Greening Institutional Culture.” It also reflects RTC-KorPhil, Davao’s continuing efforts to embed environmental values and sustainability practices into the training and daily routines of its Diploma of Technology trainees. With the support of the Center Administrator, Engr. Constantino B. Panes, Jr., Ed.D., the campaign united students, trainers, and staff in cultivating both literal and symbolic green spaces across the institution.
The greening initiative is structured in two key phases. The first phase, which started on April 21, 2025 focused on land preparation and initial garden rehabilitation. Trainees, staff, and trainers transformed designated areas into potential garden spaces through tasks such as site cleaning, bed preparation, and the initial sowing of vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals. Organic practices, the use of recycled materials, and team coordination were emphasized to promote environmental responsibility.
The second phase, which runs from April 22 to 26, 2025, focuses on the maintenance and sustainability monitoring of the established garden plots. Each trade areas were assigned a specific area to maintain, with daily monitoring conducted by RTC-KorPhil personnel to assess care, plant health, and adherence to sustainable gardening practices.
To evaluate progress at this early stage, a pre-judging of the gardens was conducted on April 29, 2025, by selected trainers and administrative staff. The panel of judges included Mr. Joie Vincent Dagohoy, Ms. Kimberly Almario, and Ms. Rosemay Maningo, with the facilitation of KorPhil Davao Student Council Adviser, Engr. Ailyn R. Tejero, and KDSC Center Foreman, Mr. Barry Felicio. The assessment focused on land preparation quality, garden layout, resourcefulness, and alignment with green principles. This initial evaluation aims to provide formative feedback and guide the participating groups as they proceed to the cultivation and maintenance phases.
While still in its early stages, the greening initiative has already proven successful in fostering environmental awareness and green skills among the trainees. It also enhances campus aesthetics and creates spaces for sustainability learning. Trainees gain practical knowledge in composting, soil management, water conservation, and waste reduction—skills essential for building a green workforce in line with national and global sustainability goals.
The event marks a clear demonstration of RTC-KorPhil Davao’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in education, environment, and community engagement. As the initiative progresses, the institution remains steadfast in cultivating not only gardens but also future-ready graduates equipped to contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable and resilient world.
Land Preparation and Initial Garden Rehabilitation
Pre-Judging Phase
Photo Courtesy: Diploma of Technology Trainees and SMAC Jrs.