SDG 2: ZERO HUNGER
Campus Food Waste
Benguet State University maintains a comprehensive waste management framework aligned with the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003) and its institutional sustainability policy. Waste minimization practices such as segregation, composting, and reuse are promoted campus-wide. Although a complete quantitative tracking system for food waste is not yet published, BSU implements pilot waste audits in selected units and research farms. These initiatives lay the groundwork for a university-wide food waste measurement system in future reporting cycles.
Student Hunger
Benguet State University (BSU), through its College of Home Economics and Technology (CHET), actively implements a range of programs and activities that promote nutrition education, wellness, and food security within and beyond the campus. These initiatives are part of the University’s continuing commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger, emphasizing improved access to nutritious food, capacity building, and sustainable food systems.
In 2024, the Department of Human Nutrition of the College of Home Economics and Technology (CHET) spearheaded several outreach activities promoting nutrition, wellness, and community empowerment. The first of these was the Expanded Project W.H.E.E.L.S. (Empowering Child Day Care Workers with Food and Nutrition Concepts and Skills), conducted on July 16–17, 2024, in Poblacion, Kibungan, Benguet. Implemented in partnership with the Office of Extension Services (OES), BSU Multi-Purpose Cooperative, and the Local Government Unit of Kibungan, the program equipped daycare workers with essential competencies to support child nutrition and community feeding initiatives.
This was followed by “Nutrition Essentials: Guiding Parents to Nourish Their Children,” held on August 23, 2024, at the Irisan Health Center, Baguio City. The activity aimed to enhance parents’ knowledge and skills in child nutrition, meal planning, and healthy eating practices to prevent malnutrition and foster proper child growth.
To culminate these nutrition-focused initiatives, CHET organized “I Run Because I Care,” a Campus Color Run (Fun Run) on September 14, 2024, as part of the Obesity Prevention and Awareness Week (September 1–7, 2024). Led by the Philippine Association of Nutrition – Beta Zeta Chapter, the event encouraged students and staff to adopt active, wellness-oriented lifestyles and highlighted the importance of physical fitness in achieving overall health and well-being.
Beyond these college-led initiatives, BSU actively addresses food insecurity through its institutional programs under the Office of Student Services (OSS) and the Office of Extension Services (OES). The OSS promotes student welfare by facilitating food access programs, livelihood assistance, and nutritional support for students facing economic challenges. Meanwhile, the OES implements the Internal Guarantee System (IGS), a pioneering mechanism that connects over 200 organic producers from Benguet and nearby provinces to ensure a steady supply of safe and nutritious vegetables within the University and its partner communities.
The BSU Marketing Center complements these efforts by marketing and selling healthy and affordable food products sourced from local farmers and BSU’s own production units, including the Bakery, Food Processing Center, and Poultry Farm. Within the campus, the University Canteen ensures that students and employees have access to affordable and nutritious meals.
Moreover, BSU supports staff food security through the “Sariling Sikap” Livelihood Program, which assists employees with lower salary grades by providing opportunities for income generation and self-sufficiency.
Proportion of Graduates in Agriculture and Aquaculture including Sustainability Aspect
As a leading state university in agricultural education in the region, BSU continues to produce graduates in agriculture, agribusiness, and related disciplines integrating sustainability aspects. In 2024 a total of _____ graduates which accounts to ____% of the total graduates.
National Hunger
BSU continues to be a central hub for agricultural training, research, and technology transfer. Through its Climate-Smart Agriculture Center and the Institute of Highland Farming Systems and Agroforestry (IHFSA), the University provides access to facilities such as the Arabica Coffee Nursery and Postharvest Processing Center, available to local farmers at minimal cost. The University’s extension programs deliver training and workshops on sustainable agriculture, food processing, and entrepreneurship, fostering innovation among farmers and agri-based enterprises.
February-March 2024
Hands-On On-site Skills Training on Organic Agriculture (Work Immersion Program)
The second batch of Tublay National Trade High School (TNTHS) students concluded their two-week work immersion in Organic Agriculture at the BSU Demo Farm on March 1, 2024, following the start of their hands-on training on February 19, 2024. Guided by the Office of Extension Services (OES) staff, the students learned organic farming practices, visited the Cordillera Regional Apiculture Center for basic beekeeping lessons, and joined activities at the Mushroom Project site. The program fulfills the required 80-hour immersion under DepEd Order No. 30, s. 2017, aligned with BSU’s 7-point extension agenda (HERALDS). A Memorandum of Agreement between TNTHS and BSU formalizes this annual collaboration.
March 2024
TUBIGS Inc. First Quarterly Meeting
On March 22, 2024, the officers of Timpuyog dagiti Umanamong iti BSU Internal Guarantee System Inc. (TUBIGS Inc.) and the Inspection Committee held their first quarterly meeting at the BSU Demo Farm. The discussion included 2023 financial updates, marketing strategies, and the Memorandum of Agreement with buyers. These meetings ensure the continued promotion of sustainable and organic agricultural practices within BSU and partner communities.
April 2024
University Extensionists’ Coordination Meeting and Workshop
On April 4, 2024, the Office of Extension Services (OES) convened extension focal persons at the Institute of Highland Farming Systems and Agroforestry (IHFSA), Bektey, La Trinidad. The workshop tackled revisions to OES quality forms and introduced Kirkpatrick’s Four Levels of Evaluation for assessing training impacts. Administrative Officer III Lance Angelo Layugan served as facilitator, while OES Director Anna Cris Langaoan and University President Felipe S. Comila highlighted the importance of extension activities in improving clientele livelihoods.
May 2024
CA 40th Anniversary Techno Caravan in Sablan
The College of Agriculture celebrated its 40th anniversary through a Techno Caravan on May 15, 2024, at Banengbeng, Sablan. Experts from the College of Agriculture, Cordillera Regional Apiculture Center, and College of Veterinary Medicine provided diagnostic and advisory services to farmers on soil, crops, livestock, and beekeeping. The event also coincided with Sablan’s 1st Barangay Farmers, Livestock, and Fisherfolks Congress.
BIGS Monitoring Inspection Committee On-the-Spot Inspection
The BSU Internal Guarantee System (BIGS) Monitoring Inspection Committee conducted its two-day spot inspection from May 16–17, 2024, at Nawal, Bokod. The activity ensured that technology adopters complied with pesticide-free farming standards. The team also gathered farmers’ feedback and training needs, including a request for lemon postharvest processing.
June 2024
Seminar and Writeshop on Impact Evaluation
From June 24–25, 2024, the OES, in partnership with the Institute of Social Research and Development (ISRD), conducted a Seminar and Writeshop on Impact Evaluation at the Dominador S. Garin Hall, BSU. UN Women Consultant Dr. Milagros Rimando and Dr. Janet Lynn Balagtey guided participants in developing evaluation tools using frameworks like ASK (Attitudes, Skills, Knowledge), while Dr. Cheryll C. Launio emphasized baseline data establishment. Dr. Janet Pablo later presented the CCAARRD Agency In-House Review criteria, followed by hands-on application workshops.
August 2024
BSU Annual Agency In-House Review
The Annual Agency In-House Review held on August 28–30, 2024, at the Everlasting Hall, R&E Building, recognized outstanding extension programs and projects. Top awardees included Skills Development and Enhancement: A Step to Self-Reliance by Cynthia D. Garambas and Highland SciCAT: BLOOMS by Maria Luz D. Fang-asan. Programs like Program R.E.A.C.H. and Program Tongtongan were also commended for their contributions to community empowerment and knowledge transfer.
October 2024
School-on-the-Air (SOA) on Advanced Beekeeping Launch
On October 22, 2024, BSU launched another segment of the School-on-the-Air (SOA) on Advanced Beekeeping 2024, featuring “Honey Bee Colony: The Queen Bee.” Hosted by Ms. Nora C. Sagayo with Dr. Kenneth A. Laruan as resource speaker, the broadcast aired daily on DZWT 540 AM and Facebook Live, promoting advanced apiculture knowledge to local beekeepers.
December 2024
SOA on Advanced Beekeeping Culmination
On December 6, 2024, 100 graduates were recognized during the culminating activity of the SOA on Advanced Beekeeping at Everlasting Hall, BSU R&E Building. VPRE Roscinto Ian Lumbres and OIC-CRAC Director Leo Kimbungan lauded the graduates’ dedication and urged them to share their knowledge with communities. Certificates of completion and recognition were awarded, marking the successful conclusion of the program that ran from September 23 to December 6, 2024.