BSU student wins national award in fertilizer preparation

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

FROM their rooftop garden to winning a national award Darryl Jake Agliam has come a long way.

It was not just for honor and achievement but the responsibility attached to the youth, which motivated Agliam to grasp every opportunity to help his family and the community.

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A pride of Cordillera and Baguio City, Agliam bagged first place in the skills competition of the High Value Crops Development Program Organic Fertilizer Preparation in the recently concluded National 4H Convention conducted by the Agricultural Training Institute in Davao City.

Agliam, 17, is a second year Veterinary Medicine student of the Benguet State University. Amidst the call for learning, he also serves as SK chairman in Upper Market, Baguio City, where he lives.

Agliam at an early age engaged himself in agriculture where his family owned a farm lot in Longlong, Puguis, La Trinidad, and Benguet. “Together with my family, we spent time in managing our farm. My two brothers and I were exposed to agriculture by the help of our parents.”

Agliam is an active member of 4H Club in Baguio City. 4H is a rural based organization where membership is open and voluntary for the rural youths, 12 to 30 years old, primarily the out-of-school youth. “I strongly encourage all youths to join 4H club because it offers a lot of opportunities and benefits as well,” he said.

4H means head for thinking; heart for greater loyalty; hands for larger service; and health for better living. The organization provides opportunities for its members to “learn by doing.” The club is geared towards engaging youth to reach their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development.

“The club has provided me opportunities to utilize my talent and develop my personality,” said Agliam. This inspired him to join the just concluded contest.

“This is just the beginning; I know I can contribute more for the development of youth and the community.”

His entry, titled Kitchen Waste-Vermi Cast- Cow Dung (KVC) Compost Tea- the living fertilizer was his idea. “I personally researched for the possible sources of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (NPK) plants need for survival. Based on my research, these could be found in kitchen wastes such as fruit and vegetable peelings, bones of animals and others.”

Agliam, when asked if what made his entry unique said, “By adopting the idea of organic fertilizer, the kitchen waste being an alternative fertilizer for plants is enough to say it is unique. It is also environmental friendly since it reduces garbage problems of the community. Moreover, there are no machines involved in the process for which hydroponics is employed here.”

Hydroponics is a technology adopted from Japan of growing plants with the aid of water instead of soil.

“I thank my family who are very supportive to me for which I dedicated this award to them,” said Agliam.

“As much as this project is concerned, I would want it to be introduced in the community”

His entry is being showcased at their rooftop, the Organic Based Rooftop Family Garden, which the family operates. With the small area, the family was able to grow and plant strawberries, lettuce and broccoli adopting the Kitchen Waste-Vermi Cast- Cow Dung (KVC) Compost Tea employing hydrophonics.

“We conceptualized the idea of rooftop garden from the Food Always in the Home (FAITH) garden. Practically speaking, we are doing this for consumption purposes and to cope with the source of living,” said Agliam’s father, Danilo.

This serves as a show window for the community to be motivated and at the same time adopt the idea. “Utilize your vacant area so as to augment your family’s needs, and emergency wise as well,” said the elder Agliam.

Darryl’s mother Fannie said, “I’m proud to say everybody in the family is working for our rooftop garden. My three sons are really working on it. They give enough time in managing the garden.”

The love and care she gives to her family is similar to what she provides with their unique garden. “Our rooftop garden brings us close together.”

Interested groups and individuals are welcome to visit the Agliam’s rooftop garden. “We welcome everyone to come and see the fruits of our labor,” Danilo said.

The Organic Based Rooftop Family Garden is located at 66 Upper Market Subdivision, Baguio City.