At 82 years old, Argao-based innovator Roberto Bajenting continues to champion environmental sustainability by showcasing his eco-friendly inventions during the World Environment Day 2026 celebration at the Heritage Park of the Cebu Provincial Capitol Compound on Friday, June 5, 2026.
Innovative Fertilizer Development
In an interview with SunStar Cebu, Bajenting explained how he collaborated with students from the Cebu Institute of Technology–University to create a low-cost liquid organic fertilizer derived from various plant-based materials. This project highlights practical and accessible solutions to environmental challenges.
Bajenting has been practicing organic farming for over two decades. He noted that farmers often rely on expensive synthetic fertilizers, which can harm soil and plant health. His alternative aims to mitigate these issues while promoting sustainable agriculture.
Natural Ingredients and Process
The fertilizer is produced using natural ingredients such as guava, malunggay, mulberry, avocado, papaya leaves, and seaweed. The production process takes approximately one week, resulting in a cost-effective product that encourages local resource utilization.
Bajenting emphasized the importance of cost-saving in agriculture, stating, "In agriculture, cost-saving is important, how to make fresh produce inexpensive."
World Environment Day Event
His exhibit was a highlight of the World Environment Day observance, themed "Lihok Na, Karon Na." This day-long environmental awareness campaign brought together environmental advocates, innovators, businesses, government agencies, academic institutions, and civil society organizations.
The event was organized by the Regional Center of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development (RCE ESD) Cebu coordinator Maria Rosario Ballescas and partner organizations. It aimed to strengthen public awareness of environmental stewardship and inspire collective action toward sustainability.
RCE ESD partnered with the Cebu Provincial Government, the Cebu Archdiocesan Commission on Environmental Concern, and Kaabag sa Sugbo, in collaboration with over 30 civil society organizations, local government units, the academe, and religious groups.
