By: JSM
The University of the Cordilleras College of Business Administration (UC-CBA) proudly announces the official launch of Verdant Spires, celebrated on July 18, 2026, at the Sto. Tomas Elementary School Courtyard in Barangay Sto. Tomas Central!
This grand launch marks a major transition for Verdant Spires, evolving from an award-winning youth-led venture into active, formal urban operations. Conceptualized and driven by UC-CBA Digital Marketing students led by Russel Allen D. Treptor (Team Leader), Brianna G. Encarnacion (Operations Manager), and Anny Carl D. Tegwa (Marketing & Communications Manager), the project originally captured the top spot as the Grand Winner of the Liwliwa Ya Sursuro 2.0 Innovation Challenge in 2025.
Empowering the Community Through Smart Urban Agriculture:
Situated at the heart of Barangay Sto. Tomas Central, Verdant Spires targets pressing urban challenges in Baguio City, including localized food security, environmental stewardship, and space optimization:
- Automated Vertical Farming: Utilizing cutting-edge vertical systems to produce sustainable food in high-density urban areas.
- Interactive Learning Hubs: Transforming public spaces into hands-on educational centers for local schools and community members.
- Climate Resilience: Demonstrating how student-led, multi-stakeholder partnerships can drive practical green solutions for highland urban centers.
Congratulations to our Digital Marketing student leaders and their project partners for turning classroom innovation into real-world community impact! Together, we are cultivating a sustainable, resilient, and green future for Baguio City.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
The launch of Verdant Spires highlights UC-CBA’s commitment to translating student research into scalable, community-centered sustainability projects:
- Goal 2: Zero Hunger
- Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture. Deploying automated vertical farming technology directly within local communities enhances urban food security and sustainable food production practices.
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Indicator 11.7.1: Providing safe, inclusive, and accessible green public spaces. Optimizing school courtyards into eco-friendly, agricultural learning hubs strengthens community resilience and urban green infrastructure.
- Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals
- Indicator 17.2.2: Multi-stakeholder collaboration. Fostering cross-sectoral partnerships between university innovators, elementary schools, barangay officials, and local government units drives sustained regional development.
Photos: CBA Facebook page
