Gulayan sa Paaralan hits Panay provinces
Gulayan sa Paaralan Program of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is one of the means to mitigate or eliminate hunger especially in areas were there is high incidence of mal nutrition in school children.
In Panay, Antique was the first recipient of vegetable seeds because they fall under priority number 2. Vegetables seeds from the Department of Agriculture were distributed to every school district for planting and propagation.
The seeds that were distributed were the “PAKBET” seeds, made up of bitter gourd or ampalaya, eggplants, okra, squash and string beans. These vegetables were chosen because they are very much adaptable to our climate and type of soil, and they contain the much needed vitamins and minerals for the growing children.
The required area for the Gulayan Project is at least one hundred twenty square meters (l20 sq. m.) to a maximum of 500 sq. meters. Technical assistance as to the cultural management , methods of planting as well as fertilization and control of pests and diseases were provided by the local government units through the Municipal agriculturist.
The produce of the Gulayan Project are used in the feeding of children under the nutrition program of the school. Priority is given to children who are underweight. Feeding program is twice a week. Survey showed that with the gulayan project and the feeding program, more pupils are present, they are more alert and was able to reduce the number of underweight pupils.
Aside from Antique, similar seeds were distributed to the rest of Panay provinces and Neg. Occ. Since this program is in coordination with the Dept. of Education, Reg. VI, they had it as a contest between districts and provinces. Provincial winner will be judged from the district winner and will vie for the regional winner. Lists of winners will be announced by DEP ED through their APP supervisor. (Eleanor B. Rivera DA RAFID)