The Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) provided a training on Simple Nutrient Addition Program (SNAP) for over 1,000 elementary students of San Pablo Central School (SPCS) on February 28, 2023, which meant to enhance the participants’ knowledge and appreciation of soil-less vegetable production.

The two-hour program was part of the school project, “Science Learners in Motion (SLIM)”. According to Ms. Khristine Anne C. Lat, faculty staff and project leader, they wanted to “expose the pupils to activities that would increase their awareness and interest in science. With this in mind, we have selected to introduce SNAP hydroponics technology developed by IPB”. She also mentioned that the topic was relevant and an essential learning component of their academic program.

As the students were eager to learn, Ms. Florita F. Carandang, university researcher and IPB Vegetables and Legumes Section head, started the lecture by explaining the concepts and advantages of the technology including plants’ growth and nutrition using SNAP solutions. She also gave tips on how to maintain vegetable crops away from insects and pests.

On the other hand, Mr. Rustom Velasco, a laborer from the institute, demonstrated the important steps in setting up a hydroponics system wherein some students and teachers gained hands-on experience.

With this, the science teachers and administrative staff thanked IPB for giving its full support to the learning needs of the students. (Dianne B. Ubaldo)