In celebration of the Nutrition Month 2024 with the theme “Sa PPAN: Sama-sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat,” the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) is set to launch the Lifestyle Garden that promotes the accessibility of homegrown plants known for added values, which various stakeholders and partner communities can use as an alternative medication for noncommunicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, among others. The official launch of Lifestyle Garden can also generate research opportunities related to the discoveries and innovations of natural health care.

Assoc. Prof. Myra D. Oruga is set to introduce the concept behind the Lifestyle Garden, following the formal declaration of the launching by Prof. Joane V. Serrano, Dean of FMDS. Moreover, the planting activity will be attended by partner communities in Los Baños, specifically from barangays of San Antonio, Maahas, Tuntungin-Putho, and Bayog.

The launch is under the Community Inclusivity, Digital Transformation, and Acceleration Towards Sustainability (CIDAS) key components of FMDS’ public service in Community Health Education and Well-Being, Climate Education and Justice, Community Improvement, and Application of Research Towards the Advancement of Communities. 

Lifestyle Garden also intends to promote traditional knowledge related to indigenous medical plants. Among these are the approved herbal medicines in the Philippines by the Department of Health (DOH), namely; garlic, sambong, akapulko, yerba Buena, tsaang gubat, ampalaya, ulasimang Bato, bayabas, niyug-niyogan, and lagundi. 

As part of its commitment to creating a sustainable campus, the Lifestyle Garden aspires to encourage community involvement and effective use of space in serving the university and its nearby areas. Hence, UPOU extends an invitation to its faculty, employees, alumni, student, staff, and partner communities to join the on-site celebration on 31 July 2024 (Wednesday), from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM at the FMDS Perma G.A.R.D.E.N. (Growing Appreciation towards Resilience, Development, Entrepreneurship, and Nutrition). Interested participants will have the opportunity to promote wellness by growing these various local plants known for their added values.

Written by: Cherry Platero and Margareth Venz Relles (Interns) • Edited by: Larry N. Cruz

Sustainable Development Goals

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