On 23 March 2026, Asst. Prof. Catalina de Luna and students of ANSC 191: Livestock and Poultry Welfare Assessment conducted their field day at the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) Permaculture G.A.R.D.E.N. (Growing Appreciation towards Resilience, Development, Entrepreneurship, and Nutrition) as part of their site appraisal and planning for the proposed Animal Welfare and Environmental Enrichment Program in the FMDS PermaG.A.R.D.E.N.: Establishing Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable Human-Animal Interaction

Given the onset of summer, increasing temperature and water shortage are inevitable. This program aims to enhance animal welfare and enrich environmental sustainability by establishing ponds for ducks and for garden use. It explores the rainwater harvesting system to supply the pond, promoting a nature-based solution and water autonomy within the garden. More so, it encourages experiential learning opportunities related to sustainable agriculture, animal care, and ecosystem management through monitoring wildlife interactions via installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems in the area.

This initiative is implemented in two phases: Phase 1 focuses on the animal and environment enrichment, while Phase 2 promotes human-animal interactions. The initial site visit is part of phase 1 activity to gather data and assess measures related to management, environment, and animal welfare of poultry species in the garden. 

Moving forward, the FMDS and UPOU Nature-based Solutions Committee in partnership with Institute of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS), UP Los Banos continuously collaborates to achieve the objectives of this program and to support the following Sustainable Development Goals:

  • SGD 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
  • SGD 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • SDG 13: Climate Action
  • SGD 15: Life on Land

Written by: John Albert Casin • Edited by: Larry N. Cruz

Sustainable Development Goals