Gulayan sa Paaralan: Its Impact on the Health and Nutrition of Pupils

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to determine the impact of Gulayan sa Paaralan to the health and nutrition of pupils in Ayao-iyao Elementary School. One of the programs of Department of Education is the school feeding program for undernourished pupils. Pupils classified as "wasted" or "severely wasted" are the priority target of this program.

METHODS

This study utilized 89 parents of feeding program beneficiaries and 13 class advisers of Ayao-iyao Elementary School. Interview and focus group discussion were also used in the study as supplementary data gathering procedure.

RESULTS

The study reveals that the SBFP implementation was very successful to ease the malnutrition through the harvest of vegetables in Gulayan sa Paralan. There is a very high attainment in the rehabilitation of at least 12 severely wasted and 35 wasted beneficiaries to normal nutritional status at the end of 100 to 120 feeding days. SBFP beneficiaries improved their attentiveness, academic performance inside the classroom and sustained good attendance with average weighted mean of 4.20.

DISCUSSIONS

Gulayan sa Paaralan plays an important role in the health and nutrition of pupils to fight malnourishment as revealed with a composite mean of 4.56. Improving the health and nutrition values and behavior contributes to good academic performance.