June 11, 2025 | Boracay – UCLG ASPAC, together with the Provincial Government of Aklan, and the Local Government Unit of Malay, inaugurated the Hydroponic Garden Project, the third collaborative programme funded by the Guangzhou Municipal People’s Government at Balabag Elementary School, Philippines. The project focuses on integrating sustainability into the core of the education system, blending with academic disciplines such as science, health, nutrition, and entrepreneurship.
The project supports the Gulayan Sa Paaralan Programme (School Garden National Greening Programme of the Philippines), aimed at introducing students to sustainable agriculture practices in which they could observe and participate in growing food through hydroponics. Students are encouraged to adopt healthier eating habits through supplementing meal programmes with nutritious produce, and to apply their textbook knowledge to real-world situations by utilising the garden as a living laboratory. The project also promotes practice for food security, as many island communities, especially in Boracay, face the challenge of limited space and unsuitable soil for traditional gardening methods, creating dependence on food imports to fulfil their needs.
The project is situated at Balabag Elementary school, located on a site with limited land availability and poor soil quality, requiring gardening methods aside from the traditional version.
With consistent participation, students will have the opportunity to grow fresh products and develop essential life skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and a lasting appreciation for nature, cultivating a greener, smarter, healthier tomorrow.
The inauguration acted as the formal launching event, in which UCLG ASPAC, Guangzhou Municipal People’s Government, the Aklan Government, and the Malay Municipality officially handed over the garden to the school community after system installation, crop selection, and the planting process.
The Hydroponic Garden Project at Balabag Elementary School is more than just a sustainable farming initiative—it is a transformative investment in education, health, and environmental responsibility. As the first hydroponic garden established in a public school in Boracay, it represents a pioneering step toward integrating sustainability into the local education system. Powered in part by solar energy—a first for public schools in the area—this project aligns with global green initiatives while teaching students the value of renewable energy. It also showcases how schools in coastal and tourism-driven areas can adopt sustainable food production methods that enrich educational programs and foster environmental stewardship. What makes this project even more remarkable is its integration across various subjects such as Science, Health, Nutrition, and Entrepreneurship, providing students with practical, hands-on learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. UCLG ASPAC extends its deep appreciation to the Guangzhou Municipal People’s Government for its continued and invaluable support.
