THE DEPARTMENT of Agrarian Reform partnered with the Catanduanes National High School, San Andres Vocational School and Magnesia National High School for the implementation of the “Buhay sa Gulay” project that aims to intensify urban farming programs in schools.

The “Buhay sa Gulay” project is an initiative of DAR Secretary John Castriciones. It also seeks to provide extra income to urban farmers.

CNHS Principal Amelia Eusebio said the partnership with DAR will further strengthen their existing “Gulayan sa Paaralan” project.

“The participating school officials and the Parent-Teachers Associations understand our resources’ limitations and to ensure the program’s success, we tap the DAR’s support to achieve our goals,” Eusebio said.

The schools allotted some 2,500 square meters for vegetable production. Teachers and parents agreed to alternately manage the planting activities.

DAR-Catanduanes OIC-Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Nerisa Aldea said she is pleased that these institutions recognize the importance of urban gardening.

“We will provide them with various farm inputs, tools, guidance, and a sure market for their farm yields,” Aldea said.

She added that the department will help find establishments that will purchase the produce.

“The Bureau of Jail and Management Penology, National Nutrition Council, and nearby local trade centers, are expected to be their market,” Aldea said.

The Buhay sa Gulay program was launched in November last year in St. John Don Bosco Parish, Tondo Manila.