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Ateneo Science Educators and Researchers in Virtual
Engagement (SERVE) 2020 Ateneo de Manila University
School of Science and Engineering
MS Science Education Program of Biology Department

Weaving Urban Agriculture and Science Education toward Sustainability,
Food Security, and Livelihood

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John Oliver P. Distor , Lyka D. Lamoste , and Marvice Joyce V. Ong

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Rizal Technological University Philippine Science High School - Main Campus
*Corresponding Author: oliverdistor@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The global health pandemic caused by coronavirus has not just affected people, it’s affecting our country’s
food security and livelihood as well. Due to many factors that include the temporary suspension of mass
transportation, the closure of some trading posts, and the tightening of borders in a bid to enforce the
necessary social distancing required to halt the spread of the virus, people have had experienced
insufficiency of food, immediate transformation of educational systems, slow economic growth, and sudden
change in the environment. This focuses on the integration of urban agriculture in the activities of biology
lessons, activities and instructional materials that stimulates students’ perspective in sustainability, food
security, and livelihood. This study presents short guided activities and learning materials focusing on urban
agriculture systems that can be constructed by the students in a small area, with regulated budget, and in a
short period of time. The students generate their own urban agriculture system that could produce their
own crops and vegetable varieties in a limited space and resources for consumption. Furthermore, this
addresses the students’ attitude and mindset in agriculture relative to biology. Although not the solution to
all economic and food security problems as many claim it to be, urban agriculture does have the potential
to improve the resilience of communities. For this reason, during this pandemic crisis, integrating urban
agriculture in science activities addressing sustainability, food security, and livelihood utilizing experiential
learning strategy, students’ may be able to learn and improve science skills and knowledge independently
and develop resilience.

Keywords: Urban Agriculture, Science Education, Sustainability, Food Security, Livelihood

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