On September 5, 2025, the University of Baguio High School (UBHS) hosted a highly engaging hydroponics seminar at the Legacy Building, Room M205. The Friday afternoon event brought together parents, teachers, staff, and student-teachers, all eager to learn about hydroponic farming—a modern agricultural system that allows plants to grow without soil.
The seminar was led by Mr. Mark Adriel Sison, a proud UBHS alumnus and proprietor of Domegarden Hydroponics. With his expertise and passion for sustainable agriculture, Sison not only provided technical knowledge but also shared his inspiring journey as an advocate of cleaner, safer, and more reliable food production.
Sison began by recounting how his hydroponics venture was “reborn” in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when food supply chains were disrupted, many individuals and communities sought alternative ways to produce their own food. What started as a personal project soon grew into a full-scale enterprise dedicated to promoting sustainable farming practices through hydroponics.
The Domegarden, located in Virac, Itogon, Benguet, originally took shape in 2003 with the construction of its first greenhouse. Nearly two decades later, in 2020, the project was redeveloped to integrate modern hydroponic technologies. This transformation highlighted not only adaptability but also the urgent need for sustainable food solutions in today’s rapidly changing world.
During the hydroponics seminar, Sison emphasized the unique advantages of hydroponics compared to traditional farming. Among these were reduced water consumption, efficient land use, faster plant growth and higher yields and profitability opportunities.
Sison stressed that these benefits are vital in an era where agricultural land is shrinking, and natural resources are becoming increasingly scarce. He also noted that hydroponics offers a promising solution for communities facing challenges related to food security and climate change. The seminar also introduced participants to essential materials and equipment commonly used in hydroponic farming. A key highlight was cocopeat, a growing medium made from coconut husks. Sison explained how cocopeat provides the right balance of moisture and aeration, creating an ideal environment for healthy plant growth.
The seminar also covered the three phases of hydroponics: sowing seeds, plant management, and nutrient mixing and monitoring. Each stage was carefully explained to ensure participants understood both the science and the practical application behind the method. To reinforce the concepts, Sison conducted a live demonstration on how to set up and manage a hydroponic system.
Following the lecture, participants visited UBHS’s own hydroponic garden, where they applied their new knowledge through hands-on activities. Parents, teachers, and student-teachers gained valuable firsthand experience, deepening their understanding of how hydroponics can be applied in both household and community settings.
Through the activity, the University of Baguio High School underscored its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 15: Life on Land.
The hydroponics seminar led by UBHS alumnus Mark Adriel Sison was more than just an educational event—it was a celebration of innovation, sustainability, and community empowerment. For student-teachers in attendance, the seminar served as a valuable training ground. By learning about hydroponics, they are better prepared to pass on knowledge about sustainable practices to future students. This ripple effect ensures that the lessons from the seminar extend far beyond the walls of UBHS.
The hydroponics seminar led by UBHS alumnus Mark Adriel Sison was more than just an educational event—it was a celebration of innovation, sustainability, and community empowerment. As participants left with both inspiration and practical skills, the seminar underscored how education can play a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable future.
With alumni like Sison paving the way, the University of Baguio High School continues to strengthen its role as a hub of progressive education, promoting lifelong learning and access to education, and serving as a champion of sustainable development in the region.
