Implementation of the Gulayan sa Paaralan Program in Mankayan District, Benguet: Extent, Challenges, and Best Practices
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65339/ijsair.V2.I2.369Keywords:
Gulayan sa Paaralan Program, School Gardening, Nutrition, Implementation, Best PracticesAbstract
The Gulayan sa Paaralan Program (GPP) is a flagship school-based intervention of the Department of Education designed to address malnutrition, strengthen food security, and promote agricultural awareness among learners. This study determined the extent of implementation of the Gulayan sa Paaralan Program in Mankayan District, Benguet, assessed the seriousness of problems encountered during implementation, and documented best practices adopted by participating secondary schools. A descriptive research design utilizing survey-normative techniques was employed. Respondents consisted of 160 students and 25 Technology and Livelihood Education teachers from public secondary schools in the district. A researcher-made questionnaire checklist served as the primary instrument, supplemented by interviews. Weighted mean and Sandler’s A test were used in data analysis. Findings revealed that the program was very much implemented (grand mean = 4.36), indicating strong institutional support and active stakeholder participation. Strength areas included organic farming practices, documentation systems, farm planning, and school organization structures. Challenges encountered were generally perceived as less serious. Best practices included assigning agriculture-oriented coordinators, strengthening community linkages, and engaging parents in program implementation. The study concludes that GPP remains a viable school-based strategy for promoting nutrition education, sustainability, and community participation. Strengthening resource support, coordinator training, and multi-sector collaboration is recommended for sustained implementation.
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