Story by: Lorenzo Jacinto, PSFI Program Officer
BAMBAN, TARLAC, June 4, 2026. Learning took root beyond the classroom as parents, teachers, and students came together at San Vicente Elementary School for the Basic Vegetable Production Training for School Garden Establishment under the Phase II Aeta Family Care Center – Roots to Shoots (RTS) Program.
A total of 46 participants joined the hands-on training, where they learned practical vegetable production techniques to help establish and sustain a school garden while promoting food security, proper nutrition, and sustainable agriculture within the community.
More than a place to grow vegetables, the school garden is envisioned as a living classroom where students can experience firsthand the journey from planting to harvest. Through this interactive learning space, children gain a deeper appreciation for agriculture, healthy eating, and environmental stewardship while developing practical life skills that extend beyond the school grounds.
The knowledge shared during the training also empowers families to apply these techniques in their own homes, encouraging backyard gardening and improving household access to fresh and nutritious food. By strengthening local food production, the initiative helps communities become healthier and more resilient.
The activity also reinforced the importance of collective action. Parents, teachers, and students worked side by side, demonstrating that meaningful change begins with shared responsibility. Together, they are laying the foundation for a nutrition-sensitive school environment where the garden can support school feeding initiatives while serving as a valuable learning space for future generations.
Implemented through the Roots to Shoots Program, the initiative reflects the shared commitment of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc. (BCFI) to strengthen community resilience through sustainable food systems and education. By equipping schools and families with practical knowledge and working alongside communities, the program is helping build healthier communities and a more food-secure future.
Through every seed planted and every lesson shared, Roots to Shoots demonstrates that lasting change begins when schools, families, and communities grow together.
