The Department of Education (DepEd) commended a Baguio City public school for winning the “healthiest school” award, calling its organic farming initiative a model for advancing the government’s campaign for food security and sustainability.

Happy Hollow National High School, recognized as a farm school by DepEd in 2024, received the AIA Outstanding Healthy Eating Award 2025 and US$15,000 (about P840,000) for its flagship program, Project O.R.G.A.N.I.C. (Offering Resources of Growing Agri-product and Nutrition in Community). The project promotes healthy eating, organic agriculture, and waste reduction while training students in sustainable food production.

Project O.R.G.A.N.I.C. has trained 168 Grade 12 students in organic agriculture production to grow mustard greens (mustasa) using organic methods and recycled materials.

“We have this to teach students about how to live happier and healthier,” Teacher Aries Busacay said.

Students mentor younger batches, with support from barangay officials, nutritionists, and parents in activities such as backyard gardening, feeding programs using school-grown produce, workshops on planting and harvesting, and nutrition seminars on sustainable meal planning. Students also prepare for TESDA NC II certification to improve future employment prospects.

“Patunay itong Project O.R.G.A.N.I.C. na kapag nagtulungan ang paaralan, magulang, at komunidad, kayang buhayin ang tradisyon ng agrikultura at sabay nating mapaunlad ang kalusugan at kinabukasan ng ating mga kabataan,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.

“Inspirasyon ito sa ating layunin na gawing katuwang ang mga paaralan sa pagpapatupad ng food security agenda ni Pangulong Marcos," Angara added.

DepEd said the initiative not only reduced malnutrition rates, as shown by body mass index data, but also boosted student engagement, developed practical skills, and strengthened the community’s culture of sustainability.

The farm school model traces its roots to the vision of the late Senator Edgardo J. Angara, realized through Republic Act No. 10618 or the Rural Farm Schools Act.

Under the leadership of Secretary Angara, there are now 156 farm schools across eight regions providing agricultural training, technical skills, and entrepreneurship education.

The award recognizes schools across Asia that demonstrate outstanding innovation in promoting healthy lifestyles, active living, and environmental responsibility.

The Baguio-based school outperformed 15 other contenders from across the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka.