The Sanayan sa Kakayahang Agrikultural (SAKA), or Agricultural Skills Training Center, is a long-standing initiative of Western Philippines University that serves as a hands-on training ground for students and farmers. Established to enhance agricultural education and practical learning, SAKA provides opportunities for skill-building in crop production, livestock management, and other areas of sustainable farming. It has been instrumental in connecting academic instruction with real-world application, helping both students and local farmers gain experience in modern and traditional agricultural techniques.

Building on its educational foundation, WPU now plans to transform SAKA into an Agritourism Showcase and Leisure Park. This expansion aims to make agriculture more engaging and accessible to the public, combining learning, tourism, and sustainability in one space. The envisioned park will highlight food production systems, demonstrate best practices in sustainable agriculture, and serve as a venue for public outreach, research, and community participation—aligning with WPU’s mission to promote environmental stewardship and rural development.

Through this transformation, the project seeks to bridge education and community engagement, generate public interest in agriculture-related programs, and showcase WPU’s commitment to sustainable land use and livelihood development—supporting the goals of responsible consumption, environmental conservation, and rural innovation in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

[This article is in line with the SDGs 4, 8, 11, 12, & 15]