“Community is much more than belonging to something; it is about doing something together that makes belonging matter”

– Brian Solis

HAPI National visited and delivered ten hydroponic kits to the St. Francis Learning Center Inc. community in Subic, Zambales last February 22, 2023.

HAPI CFO, Mutya Valenzuela and HAPI Auditor, Angie Driskell were accompanied by HAPI-Zambales Lead Convenor, Van Pugay Catayong in educating the locals about hydroponics and the concept of humanism.

Driskell appreciated the way the community welcomed them with warmth and gratitude. “It was refreshing to be met with open arms even after they learned about HAPI and its efforts to promote secularism. Since there is a common goal to help the children at the center, their well-being was all that mattered,” she said. HAPI was invited to come back and visit any time.

Hydroponics is a production method wherein the plants are grown in a nutrient solution rather than planted in soil. Many variations of this system are being used because of its versatility and effectiveness. There are several advantages when people choose hydroponics. First, the plants can be moved when they start growing and require more space. Second, higher yield and better quality crops are reportedly common. Lastly, water consumption is reduced.

With these upsides in mind, it is easy to see why HAPI National chose hydroponics for the community of Zambales. Looking at the experience of HAPI-Bulacan with hydroponics, Valenzuela figured that it can also benefit other communities.

HAPI National also discussed the community’s previous failed attempts at growing vegetables and partnering with aquaponics to raise tilapias. Giving the St. Francis Learning Center start-up hydroponic kits will enable them to become more accustomed to the process. Once they successfully grow enough crops, they can then move to aquaponics or even hydroponics on a larger scale.

“The officers of HAPI-Zambales plan on visiting the community regularly and spending time with the kids. It is also in the plan for all of the HAPI officers from across the country to visit during the tenth anniversary of the organization in December,” Driskell explained when asked about the future of the community’s collaboration with HAPI.

This event was made possible with the help and generosity of Humanist Global Charity which is gracious enough to fund this project. Their support will aid the community of Subic, Zambales in its advancement toward a thriving future.