School Gardening Practices in Metro Manila Public Schools

Abstract

This research explores the existing and prevalent school gardening practices in Metro Manila focused on Metro Manila Public schools. The urban capital of the Philippines is heavily threatened by global warming due to its fast declining breathing spaces so that reinforcement of thriving green practices will contribute to the possible mitigation of the impacts of climate change. Random sampling survey is conducted among Metro Manila Schools about their greening practices or conduct and maintenance of Gulayan sa Paaralan. All respondents indicated the presence of a school garden. The majority also listed cultivating trees in the schools aside from the standard vegetables to aide in their nutrition program. Mixed types of gardens were maintained including open ground, plant boxes, and receptacle or container gardens. Survey results showed that maintaining and sustaining gardens in the metro is highly probable, workable, and can be replicated to spread in the community level of sixteen cities and a municipality.