DA, DepEd cite gains of 'Gulayan' program in Davao schools

DAVAO CITY -- The government's "Gulayan sa Paaralan Program" (GPP) continues to bear fruits in terms of raising the awareness on health and nutrition among students, officials said.

Ricardo Oñate, director of the Department of Agriculture in Region 11 (DA-11), said the GPP is under the DA's High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) and has been instrumental in combating malnutrition among schoolchildren and local communities.

The program, he said, is a joint project of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Education (DepEd).

On Friday, Oñate led the awarding ceremonies for Best GPP implementers for school year 2018-2019.

Among the winners are: Container garden, elementary category--Guihing Central Elementary School, Davao del Sur (first); Mawab Central Elementary School, Compostela Valley Province (second); and Tuburan Village Elementary School, Davao Oriental (third).

Container Garden, High School category: Tagum City National Comprehensive High School, Davao del Norte (first); Basiawan National High School, Davao Occidental (second); Andili National High School, Compostela Valley Province (third).

The winners for field garden category for both elementary and high school were recognized.

Ricardo Oñate lauded the efforts of the evaluators, composed of personnel from DA and DepEd, as well as the GPP coordinators of the participating schools for the project's success.

“It is very comforting to witness how the GPP has evolved not only as an effective advocacy tool but also on how it has mobilized and transformed various schools and communities into a united and bankable force in our fight against malnutrition,” Oñate said.

He also cited GPP's success in reducing the number of malnutrition among schoolchildren, which resulted in improved scholastic performance. (Cherry Mae Palicte/PNA)