On March 21, 2025, Kalinga State University (KSU) and the Indigenous Path Foundation Inc. (IPath) celebrated a landmark achievement in agricultural innovation—the inauguration of a new hydroponic farming facility on the Bulanao campus. Built entirely through the support of IPath Foundation at no cost to the university, the structure stands as a hub for research, education, and community engagement in the field of sustainable, soilless agriculture.
KSU President Dr. Joy Grace P. Doctor emphasized the significance of this partnership, noting that the hydroponic facility will empower both faculty and students with hands-on learning experiences in modern farming techniques. “It gives us a practical platform to study food production systems that respond to the twin challenges of climate change and food insecurity,” she said.
IPath Foundation President Harriet L. Tenda echoed this sentiment, calling the project a milestone in preserving both agricultural innovation and the heritage of the Cordillera region. “We’re equipping the next generation of farmers with the tools and training to thrive in the future of agriculture,” she said. The project aligns with IPath’s broader mission to enhance food access and nutrition while preserving local farming traditions.
Dean Ferdinand L. Ganotice of the College of Agriculture highlighted the scientific value of the facility, especially in terms of resource efficiency. “Hydroponics uses significantly less water and land compared to traditional farming, yet it produces higher yields,” he explained. Research at the facility will explore optimal nutrient solutions, lighting conditions, and plant responses—contributing to a growing body of knowledge on precision agriculture.
According to the Journal of Cleaner Production (2024), hydroponic systems can reduce water usage by up to 90% and land use by 75% while increasing yields by up to 50% compared to conventional farming. These efficiency gains are especially important in mountainous or water-scarce regions like the Cordilleras.
Beyond research, KSU plans to integrate the hydroponic system into its extension services by offering training programs to local farmers. These programs aim to demystify hydroponics, provide starter setups, and promote community-level adoption—particularly in areas with poor soil quality or limited access to arable land.
Attendees at the launch event—including local government officials, DOST-Kalinga representatives, and members of the community—witnessed firsthand the results of the system, enjoying a free harvest of fresh lettuce, basil, and herbs grown in the hydroponic facility. The harvest demonstrated not only the system’s viability but also its potential to address food security in the region.
Kalinga State University’s hydroponic facility marks a pivotal advancement in education-led sustainable agriculture. As students gain hands-on training and researchers explore innovative crop strategies, the initiative stands to influence both academic learning and real-world farming practices. With community outreach at its core, this model can help shift regional agriculture toward greater productivity, resilience, and sustainability.
