Sustaining partnerships: CIT-U begins urban gardening project with local experts and women’s global group

By Marivir R. Montebon

New York - The creation of sustainable urban garden has begun at the Cebu Institute of Technology University (CIT-U) in Cebu City, Philippines which is in partnership with a global women’s organization.

This was revealed by local sustainable agriculture expert Engr. Roberto Bajenting who is leading the trailblazing project of the CIT-U and the Women's Federation for World Peace International, UN Office.

Urban farm design inside the premises of the CIT-U. (Photos by Bob Bajenting)

Optimizing university space for sustainable farms.

The farm design appropriate for the CIT-U landscape, said Bajenting, is circular. He designed two conjoined circles to form the 8 Infinity Garden. The farm will also be crossed with rectangular plots that's 4ft x 8ft for synergy.

Bajenting expressed optimism for the project to bloom. "Our agenda is padayon permaculture gisugdan sa CIT on Jan 24."

Bajenting is closely working with Dr. Laarmi Feliscuzo, head of Special Program on urban garden project of CIT-U.

Bajenting, permaculture trainer, with CIT-U students and Dr. Feliscuzo.

CIT-U, through its president Engr. Bernard Villamor, and WFWPI, through UN Relations Director and Vice President for Administration Merly Barlaan, entered into a partnership in June 2025 in New York to institutionalize permaculture scholarships and regenerative farming practices. It is part of their commitment to localize UN's Right to Development and Sustainable Development Goals on environmental and climate action and food security.

In January 2026, the Permaculture Education Summit and Immersion Tour kicked off in Cebu and Bohol to begin multistakeholder engagements for school- and community-based economic and environmental programs.

“The local action is so amazing and inspiring. Thank you for the continued vigor of Bobby Bajenting,” said New York-based Barlaan.

Cebu province, a premiere hub for commerce, education, and tourism, is facing intertwining problems on acute economic crisis and environmental safety and sustainability as an urban center in Central Philippines.

Empowering local communities and educating the youth for sustainable farming and climate action are among WFWPI’s goals as an NGO with 128 country members worldwide. #