The Gulayan sa Paaralan Program:
Addressing Current Adversities
The prevailing socio-economic condition of the regions in the
country has resulted into abject poverty. Its direct consequence
has affected the education of students who drop out of school
at alarming proportions. The reasons? Hunger and malnutrition;
and child labor – where parents compel their children to earn a
living. But what is crucial that can be addressed immediately is
health and nutrition as it affects their academic performance.
In this regard, the Mangayon Elementary School-Side 4
Extension in Compostela East District, Division of Davao De Oro
is leading the way to create for the community a livelihood and
food security initiative that will hopefully neutralize the
devastating effect of the Covid -19 pandemic. We call it: “The
Gulayan sa Paaralan Program.”
The target area is home to the Matigsalog Tribe and identified
as one of the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas
(GIDA) in the province of Davao De Oro. It is envisioned in its
newly-founded extension school that the Gulayan sa Paaralan
Program shall serve as a catalyst for change and progress within
the community. How?
1
1. By educating the students, the parents, and the
community with methods of sustainable food production
such as vegetables and other food crops; and
2. By boosting awareness among the young children of
Matigsalog Tribe on the significance of growing plants
and vegetables organically grown in plots and empty
containers for cost-effectiveness.
The expected results out of this concerted program are:
1. Year-round food self-sufficiency and security within the
tribe – and in their respective households
2. It fosters teamwork and cooperation in the community
3. Throughout its implementation, the school is able to
harvest significant produce primarily distributed to the
learners, parents and the rest of the tribe. This is like “a
community pantry” of sorts.
4. Any available surplus of vegetables is sold to the market
where (again) proceeds are converted to buy educational
materials for the students and the teachers.
5. Finally, the harvested vegetables are cooked for the
school’s feeding program.
The Gulayan sa Paaralan Program has started even before the
pandemic came about; whereby through the dedication of the
Mangayon Elementary School administration, it saw to it that it
2
was high in their list of priorities. The school has initiated several
mapping activities to build linkages with stakeholders, both
internal and external, who can partake in the Gulayan sa
Paaralan Program. This has ensured the sustainability of the
program that has somehow inspired the members of the tribe to
fully commit in the maintenance and success of the vegetable
gardens. Likewise, partnership with government and nongovernment agencies are supplementary measures taken in
order to help sustain the program.
Going beyond the aforementioned experience and significance,
Mangayon Elementary School Side 4 Extension is proud to
amplify the program which can be replicated to the other schools
in the Davao De Oro Division, and the rest of the Region.
Hopefully its remarkable benefits and results are viable in
addressing the adversities affecting our youth today.
Cristopher Bodiongan
MES-GPP Coordinator
Ivy G. Yee – Grajo, EdD
Principal, Mangayon Elementary School
3