The Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Plant Industry supports Department of Education and Ako ang Saklay Inc. project:

“Gulayan sa Paaralan, Kalusugan ng Kabataan.

Gulayan sa Bakuran, Kabuhayan ng Mamamayan.”

The launch was held in San Antonio, Nueva Ecija last February 4, 2016. The event was attended by principals, students and supporters from DEPED, LGU’s, 4P’s beneficiaries, Churches and representatives from DSWD, DENR, DPWH, DILG, PNP, DOH etc. who believe in Ako ang Saklay Inc’s mission to act together and be a “Saklay” to cultivate and protect the environment and one another.

Ako ang Saklay Director Fr. Arnold M. Abelardo, CMF has been supporting youths, differently abled individuals and disaster victims. Saklay provides scholarship to deserving individuals, livelihood trainings and workshop for poor families, and also spiritual guidance. Stories were told on how Saklay helped the community and inspired leaders to work harder especially after typhoons Lando and Nona that brought destruction to crops, houses, schools and roads in Nueva Ecija. The experience made the leaders Nueva Ecija Governor Aurelio Matias Umali and San Antonio Mayor Antonino Lustre express their solidarity in protecting the environment.

DEPED Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro gave emphasis on the importance of teachers in the formation of students’ values, their roles in the rehabilitation of the community during and after the storm and their strength, dedication and sincerity in doing their duties. The Gulayan sa Paaralan is another approach not only to introduce farming to young students but also ensure food security in the community as it has expanded to Gulayan sa Bakuran.  He also challenged the principals and teachers to apply Science and Economics in this project by making them profitable and sustainable.

One of the scholars told how Father Arnold has helped in her studies. She also thanked the Department of Agriculture for giving her father certified seeds to plant again after the disastrous typhoons that swept the entire province.

Seeds, seedlings, farming tools from the Bureau of Plant were distributed. Mr. Romeo P Ayos, Chief of   Crop Research and Production Support Division thanked Fr. Arnold for the opportunity and allowing DA through BPI help and reach places and families in San Antonio and nearby municipalities. BPI will continue to work hard to cultivate and protect the environment through the young minds and hands of the students at school and in the community.