By Kenneth Marcos 
Inside a glass jar, a tiny garden can grow — and this year, young Filipinos are being challenged to build one that could win them national recognition.
In celebration of World Soil Day 2025, the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) is inviting the youth of Metro Manila to join the Urban Gardening in Terrarium Ecosystem Competition — a creative and science-based contest that encourages sustainable design through miniature gardens in jars.
This unique event aims to raise awareness on the importance of healthy soils and urban greening while tapping into the creativity of young Filipinos. The contest is open to amateur and non-professional terrarium designers, especially students, youth groups, and hobbyists, who want to showcase their talent while promoting environmental care.
Participants are asked to design a fully functioning terrarium — a small, closed ecosystem that mimics nature. It should be sustainable, visually appealing, and show how soil, plants, and water can thrive together even in small urban spaces.
Important Dates to Remember:
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Registration Deadline: October 31, 2025
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/registerterrarium -
Submission Deadline for Entries: November 20, 2025
Submit to: gsitd@bswm.da.gov.ph -
Announcement of Winners and Awarding Ceremony: December 5, 2025, during the official World Soil Day celebration.
Full contest details and guidelines are available here: https://tinyurl.com/terrariumguidelines
According to BSWM, this activity is part of its advocacy to connect the youth with the mission of building “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities.” The agency hopes that through this competition, more young people will learn how soil plays a critical role in food production, water conservation, and climate action — even within urban settings.
Exciting prizes await winners, but more than the rewards, the competition offers a chance to contribute to a greener, more sustainable future. Schools and barangay youth organizations are also encouraged to promote the activity in their communities.
BSWM calls on all interested youth: “Turn your imagination into an eco-friendly masterpiece. Let your terrarium be a symbol of growth, balance, and hope for the environment.”
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