EWS Gulay Yan! Cultivates Healthier Communities

In every seed planted lies a quiet hope for healthier families, nourished children, and stronger communities. This spirit came alive as East West Seed Philippines (EWPH), together with its employee volunteers led by Human Resources Head Melanie Villena, launched “EWS Gulay Yan!” on April 29 in Barangay Janao-Janao, San Juan. In partnership with the local government and the Department of Education (DepEd), the initiative promotes nutrition, food self-sufficiency, and community participation through a shared vegetable garden — a meaningful space where learning and nourishment grow together.

Located near EWPH’s research and development facility in San Juan, Batangas, the community garden highlights how school gardening can help strengthen food security and improve students’ nutrition for better learning. By encouraging children and families to grow their own vegetables, the project hopes to inspire healthier food choices and a deeper appreciation for farmers and food production.

Adding heart to the initiative was the active participation of the East-West Seed Foundation staff, who helped lay the foundational knowledge in vegetable gardening through hands-on sessions with teachers and community residents. From seedling transplanting and garden care to nutrition education and environmental stewardship, participants gained practical skills they can continue to nurture within their homes, schools, and community.

More than establishing a garden, “EWS Gulay Yan!” reflects the power of collective action in planting seeds of hope, resilience, and better nutrition for the next generation.