Transforming Agriculture, Empowering Communities: RC San Fernando La Union Hydroponics Initiative Plants Seeds of Innovation and Sustainability

In response to the growing need for sustainable agricultural solutions, the Rotary Club of San Fernando La Union (RCSFLU) launched a transformative and community-centered Hydroponics Program that has already begun making waves in two Rotary Community Corps (RCCs) in La Union. Rooted in Rotary International’s Area of Focus on the Environment, the initiative has proven to be an innovative, sustainable, and multiplicative model for addressing food security and climate resilience in local communities.

Why Hydroponics? A Perfect Fit for La Union’s Agricultural Challenges

La Union, like many regions in the Philippines, faces a variety of agricultural limitations—from poor soil quality and water scarcity to shrinking farmland due to urbanization. In this context, hydroponics, a method of growing plants without soil using nutrient-rich water, emerged as a problem-solution fit that answered many of the province’s farming challenges.

Hydroponics offers an efficient, year-round method of producing healthy crops using minimal water and space. The system is ideal for coastal areas and urban barangays, where traditional agriculture is difficult. Recognizing this, RCSFLU crafted a project that is not only viable but also scalable for widespread community adoption.

Co-Production in Action: Training and Knowledge Exchange

On January 27, 2025, RCSFLU held an orientation and learning session at Taipan Garden Restaurant, bringing together local leaders and RCC members. The session was conducted by Dir. Architect Marlon Niduaza, who shared his deep expertise on hydroponics—a sustainable and innovative method of growing plants that leverages technology to maximize crop yields and resource efficiency.

The orientation emphasized co-production—a participatory approach where stakeholders are not just recipients, but active partners in designing and implementing solutions. Attendees learned the fundamentals of hydroponics, system design, nutrient cycles, and its advantages over soil-based farming. The interactive discussion also encouraged knowledge exchange between experts and community members, fostering ownership of the program.

From Learning to Doing: Distribution of Hydroponics Kits

On January 29, 2025, RCCs in Baraoas and Namtutan received complete hydroponics kits from RCSFLU. These included grow trays, nutrient solutions, pumps, planting media, and containers—everything needed to start their own systems. With both the skills and the tools, the RCCs were ready to take action.

On January 29, 2025, RCCs in Baraoas and Namtutan received complete hydroponics kits from RCSFLU. These included grow trays, nutrient solutions, pumps, planting media, and containers—everything needed to start their own systems. With both the skills and the tools, the RCCs were ready to take action.

Deepening the Impact: Hydroponics Highlights Regular Club Meeting

To sustain interest and deepen the learning, RCSFLU incorporated the hydroponics initiative into its Regular Club Meeting on February 4, 2025, held at 12:30 PM at the Thunderbird Clubhouse. The meeting featured a focused discussion on hydroponics, further showcasing its relevance to both agriculture and environmental conservation.

The session was led by Dir. Ar. Marlon Niduaza, who once again shared valuable insights on maximizing hydroponic systems. His presentation underscored how this technique could be both sustainable and transformative, especially in communities facing agricultural constraints.

As a highlight, additional Hydroponics Kits were given away, extending the project’s reach and inspiring new adopters among club members and RCCs alike.

Multiplicative and Scalable: A Model for Broader Impact

What makes this initiative truly multiplicative is its potential for replication. With every new RCC trained and equipped, the model becomes stronger and more adaptable. RCSFLU envisions a growing network of hydroponics gardens that not only feed families but also become educational tools, livelihood opportunities, and disaster-resilient food systems.

By integrating training, tools, and community participation, RCSFLU’s initiative has shown that environmental and social challenges can be addressed together—and sustainably.

In Alignment with Rotary’s Global Mission

This project strongly aligns with Rotary International’s Area of Focus on the Environment, which encourages clubs around the world to protect natural resources, promote sustainable agriculture, and support ecological education.

Through this hydroponics initiative, RCSFLU is not only supporting local communities but also contributing to the global movement for a healthier, greener, and more self-reliant world.

A Community Transformed, A Future Reimagined

From its inception to its current expansion, RCSFLU’s hydroponics program has proven to be more than just a gardening project—it’s a catalyst for transformation. It has empowered communities to grow their own food, embrace innovation, and take ownership of their future.

As the green leaves flourish in homes and community centers, so does the spirit of Rotary service—where solutions are shared, futures are built together, and no challenge is too great when tackled with collective purpose.

Call to Action: Let’s Keep Growing—Together

The success of this initiative is just the beginning. RCSFLU encourages Rotarians, RCCs, local government units, educational institutions, Rotaractors and environmentally conscious citizens to join the movement. Whether through support, replication, or collaboration, everyone can play a part in nurturing sustainable, community-led agriculture.

Let’s sow innovation. Let’s grow transformation. Let’s cultivate the future—one hydroponic garden at a time.

Written and Submitted by: Rtn. Lexus Jed A. Castañeda