A collaborative poster presentation titled “Quack Doctors: Ducks and Chickens in a Permaculture G.A.R.D.E.N. Green Care Initiative” by the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) and the Institute of Animal Science (IAS), College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) won the Best Poster Award (Professional Category) during the 2nd Philippine Human-Animal Bond Conference (PHABCon) 2026 held on 30 May 2026 at Ateneo de Manila University.

Asst. Prof. Maria Catalina T. De Luna and ANSC 191 students receive the Best Poster Award at PHABCon 2026.

The poster, which emerged through a partnership between FMDS-UPOU and IAS, CAFS-UPLB under the Animal Welfare and Environmental Enrichment Program, showcased the FMDS Permaculture G.A.R.D.E.N., a living laboratory for sustainability and experiential learning, and the role of ducks and chickens in promoting animal welfare and human well-being through permaculture-based Green Care initiatives. 

UPOU and UPLB team conduct animal enrichment activities at the FMDS Permaculture G.A.R.D.E.N.

The poster was presented by Asst. Prof. Maria Catalina T. De Luna, who serves as the project lead and initiator of Green Care. Co-authors from UPOU-FMDS who contributed to the paper and poster preparation include Jabez Joshua M. Flores, Maryjane M. Reondanga, and Dona Lyn M. Piamonte. 

Through this initiative, ducks and chickens in the permaculture garden are recognized not only for their ecological contributions but also for their potential therapeutic and educational roles. The project adopted a science-based approach to animal welfare, beginning with welfare assessments conducted by students of ANSC 191: Livestock and Poultry Welfare Assessment from IAS, CAFS-UPLB, using environmental, management, and animal-based measures to identify areas for improvement. 

Ms. Maryjane M. Reondanga, caretaker of the FMDS Permaculture G.A.R.D.E.N., feeds ducks and chickens as part of the Green Care initiative

The recognition of “Quack Doctors” highlights the growing importance of nature-based and animal-centered approaches in advancing sustainability, education, and community well-being.  The project likewise contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through nature-based and therapeutic interventions; SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting experiential and interdisciplinary learning; SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through sustainable permaculture practices; SDG 15 (Life on Land) by advancing biodiversity conservation and responsible animal care; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration between UPOU and UPLB in promoting sustainability and animal welfare initiatives.

The poster may be accessed and downloaded here.  

Written by: Dona Lyn M. Piamonte • Edited by: Larry N. Cruz

Sustainable Development Goals