Albay: The Department of Agriculture in Bicol (DA-5) announced the distribution of PHP3.48 million worth of interventions aimed at establishing vegetable gardens in schools and villages across Albay province. These efforts, part of the government's "Gulayan sa Paaralan and Gulayan sa Barangay" initiative, took place on June 23.

According to Philippines News Agency, DA-5 spokesperson Lovella Guarin highlighted that the interventions consist of vegetable seeds, fertilizers, and essential gardening tools such as vegetable twine, plastic crates, vermicast, seedling trays, hoses, bolos, hand trowels, hand forks, prong cultivators, hand sprayers, pruning shears, plastic mulch, UV plastic, tunneling films, and various other materials. This program underscores the DA's commitment to ensuring additional food sources as schools prepare for the upcoming academic year.

Guarin emphasized the program's role in educating students about agriculture, stating, "Annually, we have a program to provide agricultural interventions for our public schools." She added that this initiative allows students to gain hands-on experience in agriculture, helping them understand the process and importance of growing their food.

The program has already benefited numerous schools across several provinces, including Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon. In Albay, 55 public schools received PHP348,965 in interventions. Additionally, five towns-Pioduran, Guinobatan, Polangui, Camalig, and Ligao City-received PHP622,039. Three farmers' associations from Daraga, Oas, and Polangui were allocated PHP2.51 million.

Recipient schools expressed gratitude for the timely distribution of resources, which will aid in establishing school gardens. These gardens are expected to play a crucial role in feeding malnourished children and improving the overall nutrition and well-being of students.