Initiative seen as a practical boost to food production and household resilience
TUBOD, Lanao del Norte – July 18, 2025 — In a proactive move toward enhancing food security and promoting sustainable agriculture, the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte has launched another round of its “Dagdag Pagkain at Kabuhayan” Provincial Gulayan Program, distributing vegetable seeds to hundreds of schools, cooperatives, and local government units.
Led by Governor Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo, the ceremonial turnover took place at the Farmer’s Learning Center in the Provincial Agriculture Office in Pigcarangan, Tubod. The event marked the provincial government’s continuing effort to encourage household and community-level gardening as a practical solution to food shortages and a potential source of extra income.
A total of 382 schools under the Department of Education (DepEd) Division Office-10, 22 Municipal Agriculture Offices, and 184 Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) received seed packs that will be used to establish or expand vegetable gardens in their respective areas.
The initiative is implemented through the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAgrO), which has been at the forefront of pushing for agri-based livelihood and food sustainability in Lanao del Norte.
Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Hon. Cristy Atay, Chair of the Committee on Agriculture, lauded the program’s potential impact and highlighted its relevance in cultivating the next generation of farmers. “I hope, pinaagi ani nga programa (Gulayan sa Paaralan), mabalik ang interes sa atong mga kabataan,” she said, expressing her desire to see youth reengaged in agriculture.
A Commendable and Doable Solution
This initiative deserves commendation not only for its scale but for its practicality. At a time when rural and urban communities alike are facing rising food costs and climate-related disruptions to supply chains, a program that empowers people to grow their own food is both empowering and strategic.
The integration of schools into the program is particularly impactful. It combines nutrition education, livelihood training, and environmental awareness—planting seeds not just in the ground, but in young minds.
Unlike high-cost or high-risk agricultural interventions, the Gulayan Program is simple, replicable, and community-driven. It reinforces local food systems by promoting self-reliance while also strengthening social bonds among schools, families, and farmers’ organizations.
As food security continues to be a pressing concern across the country, initiatives like this are proof that local governments can lead the way in crafting grassroots solutions. With the right support and continuity, Lanao del Norte’s model can serve as a template for other provinces aiming to secure a more food-resilient future.