HINDANG, Leyte – The Gulayan sa Paaralan program supports hunger mitigation initiatives in the country and enables students to have hands-on experience in crop production. The variety of available space in schools led teacher coordinators to utilize urban and peri-urban agriculture strategies.
Administrative Order No. 03, Series of 2022 or the Creation of the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) provides a policy direction of the DA to increase food production and lessen the logistic costs to soften the impact of global concerns like the food security, climate change, and the rising costs of fuel and other inputs. It also creates alternate livelihood opportunities in collaboration with Local Government Units (LGUs), National Government Agencies (NGAs), private sectors, Civil Society Organization (CSOs), and other interested stakeholders.
The NUPAP promotes urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) and other emerging agriculture practices through the Plant, Plant, Plant Program by providing material, technical, and funding support to UPA programs and activities.
ATI-RTC 8 collaborated with the Local Government Unit in Hindang, Leyte through the Municipal Agriculture Office, to identify school partners for a one-day urban agriculture and arts seminar. The activity aims to provide students access to agricultural information through light, creative, and engaging activities. Further, it encourages students to showcase their creativity using recyclable materials and planting techniques to improve their Gulayan sa Paaralan.
Mr. Andrew Bonnel Chaves discussed urban and peri-urban agriculture, seed sowing, and transplanting, while Ms. Graciel Gacutan guided the students on upcycling containers and materials.
Grade school student, Ms. Reynassance Loterte shares, “I’m happy to meet the team that conducted this training. Thank you to our resource persons. Through their topics, all of us learned. I hope everyone learned something from this training.”
Consequently, Mr. Justime James Gabronino expressed, “It broadened my interest in agriculture. Before I didn’t care about agriculture because of what people say agriculture is being neglected. But now, I realize that agriculture is a big part of our world. It contributes a lot to our people and the environment. I’m thankful for this event because I learned a lot of things about planting. Agriculture should not be underestimated because it contributes a lot to our world.”
Over time, the 3As have focused on crops and extension services participated by students in Baybay City and the 4H Youth in the region. The expanded participation presents a valuable opportunity for its neighboring local government units.
One hundred one (101) students participated in the 3As: Appreciating Agriculture through Arts on November 21-22, 2024 at Hindang Central School and Bontoc National High School in Hindang, Leyte.
