SM City Mindpro is taking a bold step towards sustainability through its partnership with Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) College of Agriculture for a groundbreaking initiative on organic fertilizer production. This joint Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) project aims to develop, manufacture, and utilize organic fertilizer derived from kitchen waste sludge, reinforcing SM City Mindpro’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community development.
This collaboration seeks to address food waste management while promoting eco-friendly agricultural solutions. By converting kitchen waste sludge from mall tenants into high-quality organic fertilizer, the project contributes to sustainable farming practices and reduces landfill waste, creating a circular economy model that benefits both the environment and local farmers.
“We are thrilled to partner with WMSU College of Agriculture on this meaningful initiative. This project not only aligns with SM’s sustainability goals but also strengthens our role in fostering greener communities. By turning food waste into organic fertilizer, we are demonstrating our commitment to responsible waste management and supporting local agricultural productivity,” said Engr. Rommel Bellen, Assistant Mall Manager of SM City Mindpro.
WMSU College of Agriculture, renowned for its expertise in sustainable farming and agricultural research, will provide technical guidance, research support, and extension services for the project. Their faculty and students will actively participate in the development of the organic fertilizer, ensuring its effectiveness and compliance with agricultural standards.
“Urban gardening or growing of food within highly urbanized, sub-urbanized, and peri-urbanized barangays not only provides access to fresh and healthy food but also contributes to agricultural and environmental sustainability. Recognizing its crucial role in ensuring that urban communities can produce a portion of the total food demand within a limited land resource by utilizing an improved soil media enhanced with kitchen sludge organic fertilizer (KSOF), which play an important role to sustainable food production in urban areas. KSOF as a potential organic substrate for the development of improved soil mix needed in raise-bed farming, help achieve the vision of Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) on Green Campus and urban communities, and in meeting the goal of the City Ordinance 637 in the City of Zamboanga,” added Dr. Elderico Tabal, College of Agriculture Dean.
The organic fertilizer produced through this initiative is expected to benefit local farmers, urban gardeners, and other agricultural stakeholders by providing natural alternative to chemical fertilizers. The project also aligns with SM’s Green Movement, which champions sustainability efforts across SM Malls nationwide.
This pioneering initiative highlights SM City Mindpro’s unwavering dedication to environmental conservation and community empowerment. By turning waste into opportunity, the mall and its partners are paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future. (PR)