The Department of Education (DepEd) has expanded its Gulayan sa Paaralan Program (GPP) to cover 44,965 public schools nationwide this year, representing an increase of 50.6 percent compared to school year 2022-2023.
The GPP, which helps sustain the department’s continuing feeding program, propagate fresh vegetables, teaching students about agriculture, environmental responsibility, and self-sufficiency, especially critical in rural and last-mile areas.
“When the children learn where food comes from and how they’re grown, they’re more encouraged to eat healthily. This is not just about vegetables. We are teaching discipline, cooperation, and compassion for nature and others,” said Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara.
As of 2025, 94 percent of public schools implement gardening interventions. The GPP budget has doubled from ₱10 million in 2021 to ₱20 million in 2024, with a projected ₱21.8-million increase for 2025.