GPP OVERVIEW

DepEd Memorandum No. 293 s. 2007 was issued to encourage both public elementary and
secondary schools to establish school gardens to ensure a continuous supply of vegetables for school
feeding. The Gulayan sa Paaralan Program (GPP) was then implemented in support of the
government's hunger mitigation initiatives. The increased production of high-quality vegetables in
Gulayan sa Paaralan can assist continue the school feeding program. The cooperation of school
administrators and other stakeholders is crucial to the program's success. "Gulayan sa Paaralan"
(Food Growing School Project) promotes outdoor physical exercise and has demonstrated good
impacts on mental health, in particular fostering the development of confidence and self-esteem. This
program also provided us with a lasting community partnership. The absence of students in school
has not impeded the maintenance of the Gulayan sa Paaralan (GPP) garden, which has been sustained
by the strong alliance and united efforts of the school principals, teachers, parents, and other
stakeholders.

Gulayan sa Paaralan was established on school grounds at San Jose Elementary School, with
300 square meters designated for a vegetable garden, 24 square meters for a herb garden, and 40
square meters for a fruit tree garden. This program was successfully implemented under the direction
of Mr. Jeferson N. Obtinalla, school TLE/Gulayan sa Paaralan Coordinator, with the guidance, support,
and supervision of Mrs. Norma C. Bauzon, school principal, teachers, as well as the enthusiastic
learners and supportive parents of the school and other stakeholders. Veggies such as okra, eggplant,
tomato, mungbean, string beans, bitter gourd, sponge gourd, petchay (self-watering), kangkong,
garlic, and indigenous vegetables were planted. We have also planted fruit trees such as papaya,
guava, avogado, manggo, and soursop. Some of these vegetable varieties were also planted in the
landscape of the school. Learners were also encouraged to cultivate in their backyards at home and to
utilize the excellent gardening methods they learned at school as part of their duties in promoting the
consumption of vegetables for a better, healthier, more balanced diet in their community. The
Gulayan sa Paaralan Program collaborates with the School Feeding Program to offer our SFP
recipients with a nutritious and well-balanced lunch. To maintain the school garden, the school
maintains healthy seedlings, a seed bank, a seed bed, and gardening equipment.

Prepared by:

JEFERSON N. OBTINALLA
EPP/GPP Coordinator

Noted:

NORMA C. BAUZON
School Principal I