TO institutionalize school gardens in Los Baños town in Laguna, the Philippine government hosted the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) recently launched Gulayan Empowerment for Nutritional Uplifting Involving Network Optimization (Project Genuino).
The initiative is in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd)-Los Baños and the local government unit (LGU) of Los Baños.
It aims to strengthen the institutionalization of the Gulayan sa Paaralan Program (GPP) across 22 elementary and secondary schools, ensuring its long-term sustainability.
SEARCA Director Glenn Gregorio said the project seeks to "enhance stakeholder and partner engagement to foster greater collaboration and support for school gardening initiatives in Los Baños town."
Gregorio added that Project Genuino is committed to ensuring the adequate and sustained provision of nutritious meals to selected learners by reinforcing the sustainability of the GPP.
Welcoming the participants during the launching program, Soledad Villanueva, Public Schools District Supervisor of DepEd Los Baños, emphasized establishing and sustaining school gardens, notably their vital role in promoting food security and enhancing student nutrition.
Villanueva also highlighted the far-reaching impact of school gardens beyond their immediate benefits to the local community through the potential of school garden initiatives for academic research, innovation and dissemination of best practices on a broader scale.
She also shared how she got valuable insights from conducting in-depth studies on school garden projects, which she presented at local and international conferences.
Presenting Project Genuino's rationale, objectives, significance, and expected outcomes, Marvin Umali, School Head of Bayog Senior High School, underscored the initiative's critical role in strengthening sustainable agricultural practices within schools, fostering food security and enhancing students' nutritional well-being.
Anna Gale Vallez, program specialist from the SEARCA Research and Thought Leadership Department, also stressed that school gardens enhance student learning and promote health and nutrition.
"Beyond the immediate benefits, these gardens serve as catalysts for meaningful collaboration, fostering strong partnerships among the private sector, government agencies, and the community," Vallez said.
She also highlighted the transformative power of collective action in ensuring the sustainability of such initiatives and encouraged participants to "perceive school gardens as an educational project and a holistic strategy for environmental stewardship, community empowerment, and long-term development."
Los Baños Municipal Administrator Roberto Rañola also delivered a message of support, reaffirming the municipal government's full commitment to the project.
Rañola thanked the school district for its proactive role in spearheading initiatives that promote food security, environmental sustainability and improved student nutrition.
He also urged everyone to encourage students to pursue agricultural studies, recognizing their potential in shaping a more sustainable and food-secure future.
The launching program included the monitoring and evaluation of 22 elementary and secondary schools across Los Baños, ensuring a comprehensive assessment, the schools were categorized into four groups: small, medium, large, and mega schools.
Three sets of judges were tasked with evaluating the school gardens based on the variety of vegetables cultivated, overall maintenance, and their contribution to the School-Based Feeding Program.
Best Implementer of GPP winners were also recognized for demonstrating excellence in sustainable gardening practices, maintenance and contribution to student nutrition.
Los Baños Senior High School was first place; Bayog Elementary School was second'; and Malinta Elementary School was third place.
Leren Mae Bautista, Councilor and Committee Chair of Education and Public Information of Los Baños, commended the schools for their commitment to promoting food security and environmental stewardship.
She noted that the non-winning schools would still receive support from the municipal government.