Republic of the Philippines Hest ”
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES //{:,
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House pit no. 2124

INTRODUCED BY: HONORABLE ROSEMARIE C. PANOTES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to integrate gardening in the secondary school curriculum
in both public and private schools.

Foreign published article reveals that School gardening is an innovative
teaching tool and strategy that lets educators incorporate hands-on activities in
a diversity of interdisciplinary, standards-based lessons. The article stated that
school garden engages students by providing a dynamic environment in which
to observe, discover, experiment, nurture, and learn; that It is a living laboratory
where lessons are drawn from real-life experiences rather than textbook
examples, allowing students to become active participants in the learning
process. Through garden, students gains understanding of ecosystems, an
appreciation for food origins and nutrition, and knowledge of plant and animal
life cycles. At the same time, they learn practical horticultural skills that last a
lifetime.

School gardens were quite common in Victorian times in England as part
of nature study classes, during the world wars in many countries where food
shortage occurred, and in the post-civil war era in the United States.

Moreover, experience and research have shown numerous benefits of school
gardens and natural landscaping, like the following, to wit:

* Students learn focus and patience, cooperation, teamwork and social
skills;

* They gain self-confidence and a sense of “capableness” along with new
skills and knowledge in food growing — soon-to-be-vital for the 21*' century;

* Garden-based teaching addresses different learning styles and
intelligences, our non-readers can blossom in the garden;

* Achievement scores improve because learning is more relevant and hands-
on;

* Students become more fit and healthy as they spend more time active in
the outdoors and start choosing healthy foods over junk food; and

* The school yard is diversified and beautified;


The research study also proved that School Gardening is educational and
develops new skills, including Responsibility from caring for plants,
Understanding ~ as they learn about cause and effect (ex., plants die without
water, weeds compete with plants}, Self-confidence ~ from achieving their goals
and enjoying the food they have grown.

In view of the foregoing reasons, the approval of this bill is earnestly
sought.

ROSEMARIE Cc. PANOTES

Representative
Second District, Camarines Norte


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

Z
HOUSE BILL NO. 2124

INTRODUCED BY: HONORABLE ROSEMARIE C. PANOTES

AN ACT
MANDATING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (DepEd) TO INTEGRATE
GARDENING IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM IN BOTH PUBLIC
AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the Philippines in congress assembled:

SECTION 1. The Department of Education (DepEd) is hereby mandated to
integrate gardening in the secondary school curriculum in both public and
private schools.

SEC. 2. The DepEd shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations
to implement this Act.

SEC. 3. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,