Implementation of Gulayan SA Paaralan Project in Legua Integrated School: An Assessment

Hunger and malnutrition remain major obstacles to learning in Philippine public schools. To address this, the Department of Education launched the Gulayan sa Paaralan Project (GPP), a school gardening initiative that promotes nutrition, values formation, and community engagement. This study assessed the implementation and perceived impact of the GPP at Legua Integrated School for School Year 2024–2025 using a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Seventeen (17) GPP teacher-coordinators participated in the study. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency, weighted mean, t-test, ANOVA, and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Results revealed that the GPP is strongly implemented in terms of supporting school-based feeding and values education, with moderate implementation as an income-generating project. It was perceived to significantly improve pupils’ nutritional status, fund utilization, and behavior. Significant differences were found in perceived program influence based on demographic variables. EFA identified three challenge clusters: environmental constraints, resource limitations, and stakeholder engagement barriers. Findings highlight the value of GPP in enriching the teaching-learning process through experiential and values-based education. Recommendations include curriculum integration, increased stakeholder involvement, and strategic program planning.