Experiences of Schools on "Gulayan Sa Paaralan" at the District of Agoncillo: Basis for a Pilot Project on Innovative Approaches in School Gardening

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to assess the implementation of Department of Education Memorandum 095, s 2018 on "Gulayan saPaaralan" through the experiences of the public schools in the District of Agoncillo. At present, the public schools are implementing school gardening, however, the issue of sustainability could not be met. Through this study, innovative approaches for effective and sustainable school gardening will be introduced and piloted at Agoncillo Senior High School.

METHODS

Descriptive research design is employed in this quantitative research study. It describes the present condition/status of the "Gulayan sa Paaralan" Program in all public schools in Agoncillo, Batangas. It comprises 18 public schools. The school principal and the "Gulayan sa Paaralan" coordinators are the respondents of this study. The survey questionnaire and interview checklist are used for the gathering of data. Weighted mean, ranking, and percentage are the statistical tools utilized by the researcher.

RESULTS

Department of Education Order on "Gulayan sa Paaralan”, is being implemented in every public school in Agoncillo, Batangas. It reveals that most of them have limited gardening space, and poor quality of soil, thus, the limited and sometimes no harvest. Constraint on technical know-how; no specific school budget or financial resources; no full-time person to manage; lack of time, and limited participation of school head/principal in planning are also revealed. The availability of seeds/ seedlings, on the other hand, is sufficient through the available supply of seeds from Mun. Agriculture Office. Active participation and support of the stakeholders are the GPP's strengths. The respondents’ schools could not sustain the needs of the school's feeding program. Respondents are amenable that they need to address the weaknesses of the project, therefore improvement must be done.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the findings, the sustainability of the good and healthy harvest is imperative in the school gardening program. This need must be addressed through innovative approaches in school gardening: the hydroponics and aquaponics, as well as the use of organic fertilizers on those planted in plastic containers/bottles. These approaches address the poor quality of soil, limited space, high productivity, quality of harvests and practicing healthy agriculture which will sustain the school's feeding program and introduce a new trend in school gardening.