The Department of Education (DepEd) is integrating El Niño preparedness campaigns into the activities of over 35,000 Youth for Environment in Schools Organizations (YES-O) while strengthening the Gulayan sa Paaralan Program (GPP) in public schools nationwide to promote practical water conservation, urban gardening, and climate resilience.
This approach enhances school-level environmental efforts to address the Super El Niño threat through water conservation and drought preparedness, complementing ongoing YES-O activities like tree planting and cleanup drives.
“Following the directive of President Bongbong Marcos to build a climate-resilient Bagong Pilipinas, we are empowering our youth to be at the forefront of environmental action,” said Education Secretary Sonny Angara, emphasizing the need for sustained behavioral change among learners.
“Kapag ang kabataan mismo ang nagtatanim ng mga resilient na pananim sa Gulayan sa Paaralan at matipid sa paggamit ng tubig, hindi lang natin pinahihigpitan ang proteksyon ng ating mga paaralan, tinuturuan din natin silang maging masinop at handang mamamayan,” he added.
Angara earlier issued comprehensive anticipatory action guidelines and protective measures under DepEd Memorandum No. 64 s. 2026 to safeguard school environments throughout the 2026–2027 Super El Niño dry spell.
DepEd is rolling out a nationwide synchronized tree planting program focused on drought-resistant native tree species and mangroves, emphasizing seedling survival and maintenance rather than simple planting.
Through the strengthened GPP, learners will prioritize short-cycle and drought-tolerant crops such as munggo, okra, malunggay, saluyot, alugbati, and kamote to ensure school gardens remain functional and continue supporting the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP).
To conserve water, learners will help set up rainwater harvesting systems, adopt simple drip irrigation techniques and mulching, and schedule garden watering to minimize evaporation.
DepEd is rolling out a nationwide synchronized tree planting program focused on drought-resistant native tree species and mangroves, emphasizing seedling survival and maintenance rather than simple planting.
This builds on successful programs such as the Capiz Schools Division Office’s Project Tanom Paglaum, where learners have already planted over 16,700 trees and mangroves.
Student leaders will also conduct peer briefings during flag ceremonies on waste segregation and disaster readiness.
DepEd is closely coordinating with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local government units (LGUs), and non-governmental organizations to ensure schools remain safe and sustainable learning spaces.
