Overseeing the mission of the Jesuits in Bukidnon is Cebuano priest Ambrosio Flores, Director of the Jesuit Retreat House (JRH) in Malaybalay City. Fr. Bros, as the community calls him, enjoys serving the five schools included in the mission as well as their Indigenous Peoples ministry. 

In partnership with non-profit organization Kids Who Farm (KWF), PLDT and wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), with the help of generous donors, are expanding the PlantSmart GrowHub Project to six locations in Bukidnon, working with Jesuit partner schools and the JRH. 

Fr. Bros sees the project as more than just promoting a Farm-to-Table initiative but as a venue for students to learn about sustainable farming. He shares, “We thank PLDT and Smart who have been partners of the Jesuits here in Bukidnon in various capacities. The PlantSmart GrowHub is very much in line with the sustainable agriculture thrust which the Jesuits are also promoting.”

With more than fifty indigenous scholars studying in various colleges and universities, and five high schools under their wing, the Jesuits in Bukidnon are in a unique position to help the community and promote sustainability. Aside from the JRH, KWF has started building four other GrowHubs in the province, with one more coming up soon.

These projects emphasize the PLDT Group’s commitment to helping achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG No. 2: Zero Hunger, and SDG No. 3: Good Health and Well-Being.