Gulayan sa Paaralan Program: An Effective Support to the School-Based Feeding Program in San Marcelino Elementary School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Gulayan sa Paaralan Program is one of the most beneficial programs of the Department of Education that promotes food security in schools and communities through self-help activities and values among the learners and appreciation of agriculture as a life support system. This program primarily aims to improve the nutritional status of the school children all over the Philippines. This study aimed to document the effectiveness of "Gulayan sa Paaralan Program (GPP) in support to the School-Based Feeding Program recipients in San Marcelino Elementary.

METHODS

The researcher used data sheet as a research tool to gather the data needed. The information gathered will be interpreted to identify the extent of utilization of the Gulayan sa Paaralan Project. The respondents of this study were the teacher/s assigned to the Gulayan Project and the advisers of the pupils who were diagnosed as undernourished.

RESULTS

The number of School-Based Feeding Program recipient, the wasted and severely wasted for every grade level, were lessened as compared from school year 2016-2017 to school year 2017-2018.

DISCUSSIONS

The total number of wasted and severely wasted this school year dramatically decreased from 47 to 32 undernourished pupils from its total enrolment. Generally, SBFP recipient diminished to 7%, that from 229 pupils as of last year 47 pupils were undernourished who underwent the school-based feeding program and now it dropped down to only 32 recipients out 223 pupils school year 2017-2018. This only proves that Gulayan sa Paaralan Program has worked out and has become effective support to the problems of undernourishment among the school children especially those who are beneficiaries of the said SBFP. This also means that undernourished pupils or the SBFP recipient have lessened and normal health status increases.