SurSur intensifies creation of campus vegetable garden, sustains nutrition in schools
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- To promote vegetable production in public
elementary and secondary schools, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist -
Surigao del Sur (OPAG-SDS) recently launched the Gulayan sa Paaralan
Agricultural Youth to Enhance Knowledge on Vegetable Production (GP-AYEK)
program in Surigao del Sur.
Accordingly, the schools will establish campus gardens to serve as food baskets
or sources of vegetables to sustain the school feeding program.
OPAG-SDS,on the other hand, will spearhead the implementation of the program
and provide the production inputs such as seeds, organic fertilizers, and
garden tools, including the conduct of trainings.
Some 350 school heads, school nurses, Gulayan sa Paaralan Program (GPP)
coordinators, and High-Value Crop Development Program (HVCDP) coordinators from
the different municipalities/cities of Surigao del Sur attended the launching
activity cum training on vegetable gardening and nursery establishment, held in
five different venues from August 15 to 25, 2023.
Provincial Coordinator of the HVCDP Vincent Escosa explained that GP-AYEK
program aims to address malnutrition among school children by promoting the
production of healthy and nutritious food. It will also inculcate among the
students the values of farming and care for the environment.
Governor Alexander T. Pimentel affirmed his support for the project saying that
agriculture, nutrition, and education are priority thrusts of his
administration.
The provincial government will also help in the implementation and monitoring
of the program through its extension workers and will provide prizes and
assistance. (OPAg-SDS/NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)
