San Nicolas ES to represent CV in Gawad Saka

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City’s San Nicolas Elementary School is set to represent Central Visayas at the National Gawad Saka Awards 2026.

This follows its victory in the micro-garden category of the Department of Agriculture–Regional Field Office 7 (DA-RFO7)’s Best Urban Garden 2025 competition, which took place in Tagbilaran City.

According to the City Agriculture Department (CAD), in its announcement yesterday, the school bested competitors at both the provincial and regional levels, earning it the right to represent the region in next year’s national search for excellence in agriculture and fishery.

San Nicolas Elementary School’s triumph, under the micro-garden category, highlighted how creativity and commitment can overcome spatial limitations.

By maximizing small areas for vegetable production, the school has proven that urban agriculture is not only possible but can thrive even in constrained environment.

Its garden has become both a source of food and a learning laboratory for students, instilling values of sustainability and self-sufficiency.

The award was formally received by Gulayan sa Paaralan Coordinator, Jojo Ehem, together with CAD’s Urban Agriculture Coordinator Geneveve Manila Abella.

CAD lauded the achievement, saying: “This accomplishment of San Nicolas Elementary School serves as a model and an inspiration to other schools and institutions—showing that even with limited space, it is possible to develop productive gardens that promote food security.”

The Best Urban Garden competition forms part of the Department of Agriculture’s nationwide effort to strengthen food security in cities and towns through the National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP).

The program encourages schools and communities to transform small plots into productive gardens that provide fresh food, reduce dependence on external supply chains, and serve as models of sustainability.

Winners at the regional level advance to the National Gawad Saka Awards, the DA’s flagship recognition program for outstanding contributions in agriculture and fisheries.

San Nicolas Elementary School’s latest victory means it will now represent Central Visayas against other outstanding schools and institutions across the country.

City Agriculturist Joey Baclayon, under the administration of Mayor Nestor D. Archival, emphasized that CAD remains committed to supporting schools and communities in food production initiatives.

Through its Urban Agriculture Program, in partnership with DA-RFO7, the CAD is expected to provide continued technical assistance and guidance to institutions like San Nicolas Elementary School, ensuring that Cebu City not only for the contest but to spearhead innovative practices aligned with national goals of food security and resilience. — /RAE (FREEMAN)