Catanduanes schools, barangays get P4.9-M gardening aid

By Edna Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes --- The Department of Agriculture (DA) has provided P4.9 million in vegetable gardening supplies to 50 schools and five barangays participating in the agency’s Gulayan sa Paaralan Project.

These supplies, which include garden tools and various seedlings, were handed over to school and barangay officials during the project’s launch at the Provincial Capitol Dome last July 3.

Rafael Magallanes, the DA’s agricultural program coordinating officer for Catanduanes, stated that this project aims to support food security and sustainable agriculture in the province through the DA’s High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP).

He added that the initiative is expected to enhance the productivity of the beneficiaries, increase their income, and improve the quality of their produce. By focusing on high-value crops, the DA aims to improve the nutritional status of the communities and reduce the prevalence of malnutrition among learners.

Rene Manoguid, the Gulayan sa Paaralan Program Coordinator for Magnesia National High School (MNHS) and one of the recipients of the gardening package, expressed gratitude, saying, “We are thankful to the DA for selecting our school to receive this intervention, which will help our students learn how to grow vegetables, and it will surely benefit our barangay.”

Jenelle Tolledo, a grade 12 student at MNHS, remarked, “The vegetable garden at our school is one of the most commendable projects of the government. It greatly helps teach students how to plant vegetables and also significantly aids our school feeding program by eliminating the need to purchase vegetables from outside our school.”

Marian Molina, another grade 12 student, added, “I am sure that my fellow students will be encouraged to plant since our school has plenty of space for growing vegetables. Not only will the students benefit, but we can also sell the excess produce outside the school once we have a good harvest.”

Governor Patrick Alain Azanza and Congressman Eulogio Rodriguez witnessed the distribution of gardening supplies and expressed their commitment to support the DA’s initiative to empower local communities by promoting home, school, and community gardening. (PIA) Bicol/Catanduanes)