Government Support and the Implementation of the Gulayan sa Paaralan Program: A Correlational Study

The Gulayan sa Paaralan Program (GPP) is a school-based initiative of the Department of Education designed to promote food security, improve learners’ nutritional status, and encourage environmental awareness through vegetable gardening in schools. This study, “Government Support and the Implementation of the Gulayan sa Paaralan Program: A Correlational Study,” examined the level of support provided by the Local Government Unit (LGU) and its relationship to the level of implementation of the GPP in elementary schools in Pasacao 1 District, Division of Camarines Sur, during the School Year 2025–2026. The study aimed to determine how LGU support contributes to the effective implementation and sustainability of the program in schools. A descriptive–correlational research design was employed. Respondents included teachers, school heads, and barangay officials involved in the implementation of the GPP. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire that measured LGU support in terms of funding, technical assistance, resource provision, policy support, capacity building, and monitoring and evaluation. Program implementation was assessed across planning and organization, garden maintenance, student participation, community involvement, resource utilization, and monitoring and evaluation. Data were analyzed using weighted mean and Pearson product–moment correlation coefficient. Findings revealed that LGU support for the GPP was generally low, while program implementation in schools was moderately high. Correlation analysis indicated a significant relationship between LGU support and program implementation, suggesting that enhanced local government involvement can improve the effectiveness and sustainability of the GPP. The study recommends strengthening school–LGU collaboration, increasing resource allocation, and implementing continuous monitoring and capacity-building initiatives further to enhance the implementation of the Gulayan sa Paaralan Program.