Hydroponic Gardening Project of RC Metro North Caloocan

It was not long ago that the north Caloocan area was used as farmland and a livestock raising area. The transformation of North Caloocan from a farmland hub to a rapidly urbanizing area is quite a story. It's interesting to note that despite growth and development, the community has managed to preserve some of its agricultural roots, with cows still roaming around in gated subdivisions.

Given the limited space, we can  imagine that it has become quite a challenge for the farming folks to adapt and find new ways to continue their trade. They have  explored alternative farming methods, like urban farming or community gardening, to make the most of the available spaces.

THE ROTARY CLUB OF METRO NORTH CALOOCAN took it from there as it adopted the advocacy of encouraging the people to resort to urban farming in different barangays and communities in order to cope up with the limited spaces. For so many years since the chartering of the club, it has conducted countless seminars on Urban Farming under the tutelage of Hydroponics Guru Dir. Yvonne Tejero. 

Under the leadership of Good President Vickie Estella and Charter President Doms Panti,  the campaign has intensified, with hydroponics becoming the most popular among urban farming methods. 

Mr. George  Samonte was among the participants and beneficiaries of the Urban Gardening and Hydroponics Training supported by the Rotary Club of Metro North Caloocan.  Through this initiative, participants received not only technical knowledge but also tangible support in the form of starter kits and assorted vegetable seeds, including Olmetie Lettuce—ideal for soil-less and space-saving cultivation.

Today, his home-based hydroponics setup in Saranay demonstrates how innovation and determination can thrive even with limited land. Rows of vibrant, healthy lettuce are grown in a clean, nutrient-rich water system that requires minimal soil and space. The products were not only organic but also comparatively more delicious and leaves no after taste, definitely a better specie than those we can ordinarily encounter in salad bars and sandwich stores. 

This effort aligns with Rotary’s unwavering commitment to Environmental Stewardship and Community Livelihood Development. But more importantly, this initiative empowers individuals. For Mr. Samonte, hydroponics is not just a hobby—it has become a source of pride and income, contributing to his family’s well-being and encouraging other residents to explore the same path.

The Rotary Club of Metro North Caloocan continues to support local champions like him as part of its long-term advocacy for greener, healthier, and more self-sustaining communities. As we move forward in 2025, the club remains committed to nurturing hope—one seedling, one garden, and one empowered citizen at a time.

Written by: GP Vickie S. Estella and CP Doms Panti, Rotary Club of Metro North Caloocan