The Training on Vermiculture and Vermicomposting was conducted on October 22, 2025, at Felipe R. Valdez Elementary School, in Brgy. Bazal, Maria Aurora, Aurora. The program began with an invocation and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, participated in by the teachers, parents, and Grade 4 to Grade 6 pupils.
The opening and welcome remarks were delivered by Ms. Geraldine Panlilio, Officer-In-Charge of Felipe R. Valdez Elementary School. In her message, she extended her gratitude to the Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) – School of Agricultural Sciences for conducting the training. She emphasized the relevance of vermiculture and vermicomposting in promoting environmental sustainability and improving soil fertility through organic waste recycling.
Following this, Ms. Chenie Mae T. Bibon, Extension Coordinator of the School of Agricultural Sciences, delivered her message. She encouraged the participants to actively take part in the activity, highlighting that vermicomposting is an effective and practical approach to managing household and school waste while contributing to a greener environment. She also shared that ASCOT remains committed to supporting schools and communities through sustainable and educational extension programs.
The technical session was facilitated by Ms. Chenie Mae T. Bibon, who served as the Resource Speaker. The participants of the training were Grade 4, Grade 5, and Grade 6 pupils, together with their teachers and parents. Ms. Bibon discussed the fundamental concepts of vermiculture and vermicomposting, including its definition, importance, and benefits to agriculture and environmental management. She introduced the African Night Crawler (ANC) as the main species used in vermicomposting and explained its biological characteristics, feeding habits, and its vital role in producing nutrient-rich compost.
She further discussed the materials and substrates used in vermicomposting, emphasizing the use of biodegradable wastes such as animal manure, kitchen scraps, and crop residues. The construction and maintenance of vermi beds were also demonstrated, focusing on proper layering of materials, maintaining adequate moisture levels, and protecting the worms from direct sunlight and pests.
A hands-on demonstration followed, where pupils, parents, and teachers actively participated in preparing vermibeds and introducing African Night Crawlers into the substrate. Participants showed great enthusiasm as they observed the worms’ behavior and learned the step-by-step process of producing vermicast. Throughout the session, Ms. Bibon guided the participants and answered questions related to worm care, compost harvesting, and the application of vermicast in gardening and crop production.
After the demonstration, an open forum was conducted, allowing participants to share their observations and clarify certain practices in maintaining vermibeds. Ms. Bibon addressed their queries and provided practical advice on sustaining vermicomposting as part of the school’s and households’ waste management system.
The activity concluded with expressions of appreciation from the teachers and parents for the valuable knowledge shared by ASCOT through the School of Agricultural Sciences. A photo documentation session followed to commemorate the successful conduct of the training. The program officially ended at 05:00 in the afternoon.
