Leaving Behind a chemical future: Bambanians goes Organic

Rosary F. Manuel

Bamban Elementary School ignites to promote, propagate, develop further, and implement the practice of organic agriculture in the Philippines through the yearly implementation of Gulayan sa Paaralan in public elementary and secondary schools nationwide, which aims to address malnutrition and promote vegetable production and consumption among school children.

Since Gulayan sa Paaralan promotes organic farming through the use of vermiculture, it had been the advocacy of the school head and every teacher to maintain the school garden.

Last school year, each grade level are assigned to prepare their garden area using urban gardening as an alternative way of organic farming through the use of containers, plastic bottles, rubber tires, coconut shells, and rubber boots. Harvested vegetables are added to the daily lunch feeding program sponsored by the Local Government Unit (LGU) thru Special Education Fund. Malunggay leaves and tomatoes for example are added to ginisang monggo to make it more delicious and nutritious.

At this present pandemic situation, wherein face to face classes are prohibited. Teachers still made a way to inculcate among the pupils the values of good health and nutrition, industry, love of labor, and caring for others by challenging the pupils especially those taking-up agriculture lessons in Technology and Livelihood Education subject to have their garden at home.

Teachers seek help from the parents to guide their kids to prepare their garden area and practice organic farming. Photos are submitted through class group chat to monitor the pupils’actual implementation and accomplishment .

Organic farming has become a trend toward a healthier lifestyle.

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Bamban Elementary School- Masinloc, Zambales