School gardens adopting drought-resistant crops

The Department of Education (DepEd) is shifting public school gardens to drought-resistant crops and water-saving methods to prepare for the possible effects of Super El Niño on food production and school feeding programs.

Under its revised Gulayan sa Paaralan Program, schools will prioritize short-cycle and drought-resistant crops such as munggo, okra, malunggay, saluyot, alugbati and kamote.

Schools will also adopt water-saving measures, including organic mulching, rainwater harvesting, alternate-day watering and drip irrigation.

For schools with limited space, DepEd is promoting container gardening, hydroponics and vertical farming.

The program aims to sustain vegetable production during prolonged dry spells and extreme heat, while supporting the School-Based Feeding Program by aligning garden harvests with feeding menus.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the department was preparing schools to maintain nutritional support for learners despite possible water shortages.

DepEd is also seeking the participation of local governments, parents, teachers and student organizations in maintaining school gardens during dry spells.