The Department of Agriculture (DA) has formally released policy guidelines for the proposed Gulayan sa Bayan (GSB) program, which aims to improve food security and address malnutrition through the establishment of community-based vegetable nurseries nationwide.
Outlined in a memorandum signed by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and made public over the weekend, the program promotes affordable access to vegetables, complementing existing efforts like the Department of Education’s Gulayan sa Paaralan project.
Under the GSB framework, the DA will supply vegetable production inputs, nursery materials such as mini seed beds, water storage for irrigation, and conduct technical training for site preparation. The initiative also calls for a tripartite agreement between the DA, local government units (LGUs), and qualified organized community associations to manage implementation at the grassroots level.
Funding for the GSB will initially come from the High Value Crops Development Program and other available DA resources. The circular allows for supplemental financing from external sources, including donors, grant-giving bodies, and CSR programs, with potential year-two funding to be sourced from the General Appropriations Act.
Described as a “simplified public-private community partnership,” the GSB will be rolled out in cities and municipalities across the country. It prioritizes the involvement of rural women, youth groups, senior citizens, and other community organizations to help fight undernutrition and food insecurity in high-risk areas.
The DA emphasized that the program also responds to findings in the 2022 Global Nutrition Report which placed stunting among Filipino children under five at 28.8 percent, significantly higher than the Asian region average of 21.8 percent. In addition to promoting healthier diets, the GSB is expected to generate supplementary income for participating communities and support localized feeding programs.
