Faculty experts from the TSU College of Arts and Social Sciences once again went back to Sitio High Spring Bueno Capas, Tarlac last December 20, 2022, for part 3 of Project KKK (Kabiasnan, Kabianyanyan at Kalinisan). This time, the extension activity aimed to provide the residents of Sitio Hot Spring with knowledge and skills about bonsai plants and mushroom cultivation and to teach them how to develop these skills and knowledge into a profitable business.
A total of fifty-five participants joined the activity. Participants were Indigenous Peoples of Sitio Hot Spring Bueno Capas, Tarlac. They were imparted knowledge on proper bonsai making. Bonsai making is the art of growing trees and plants in confined spaces to create aesthetic shape and illusion of age through skilled pruning.
To teach the participants effectively and efficiently, they were accommodated and grouped into two groups. For group A, Mr. Allan Ocampo, Dr. Raffy Aganon, and Dr. Dexter Manzano served as the speakers and facilitators. Meanwhile, for Group B, Mr. David Lip and Prof. Ernesto Lopez were the speakers and facilitators.
Topics being discussed include Introduction to the World of Bonsai, Sources of Plants for Bonsai, Selection of Plants for Bonsai, Ideal Plants for Making Bonsai, Tools for Bonsai-Making, Soil Preparation, Bonsai Containers or Pots, Fertilizer Application, Care and Maintenance of Bonsai, and Insect and Fungus Control, and Bonsai containers/Pot-making for a complete package of learning.
Moreover, the ESPs also conducted a gift-giving where selected children in the community were given small gifts like toys and pieces of clothing.
They said that they will come back to the community in the first quarter of 2023 to deliver their last activity for the project.
This completed extension activity is contributory to goals 4 (Quality Education) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). This kind of activity hopes to help the residents develop their skills in bonsai making and which they can eventually utilize for a profitable business.
