Cabog-Cabog Integrated School (CCIS) in Balanga City, Bataan has earned global recognition after being named among the Top 10 finalists in the Environmental Action category of the World’s Best School Prizes 2026 for its innovative “TATAK KOMUNIDAD: Bayanihan para sa Gulayan ng Paaralan” program.
The public integrated school is the country’s only finalist this year, placing the Philippines on the global stage for its community-driven approach that integrates environmental education, food security, innovation, and entrepreneurship into learning.
Organized by T4 Education, the World’s Best School Prizes recognize schools worldwide for excellence and innovation across five categories that highlight their positive impact on learners and communities.
Balanga City Mayor Raquel Francis Garcia said the achievement reflects the dedication and collective efforts of the school and the community while bringing international recognition to the city and the country.
“This achievement is a testament to your hard work, unity, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Let us continue to inspire one another, keep striving for improvement, and maintain the spirit that made this milestone possible,” Garcia said.
Located in the upland communities of Balanga, CCIS serves learners from low-income farming families who often face food insecurity and other challenges associated with seasonal agriculture.
To address these concerns, the school transformed its garden into a living laboratory through the “TATAK KOMUNIDAD: Bayanihan para sa Gulayan ng Paaralan” program, integrating sustainable agriculture, environmental education, innovation, and entrepreneurship into classroom learning while actively engaging parents, alumni, local government offices, and community partners.
The initiative incorporates technologies such as hydroponics, robotics, organic fertilizer production, and rainwater harvesting to promote sustainable farming and environmental stewardship.
It is further strengthened by a School-to-Table partnership with Sae Mul Gyul Mission Inc., Truth and Life, which provides a steady market for the school’s produce while supporting its daily feeding program for learners.
The program has significantly improved learners’ health, attendance, and academic performance.
All 44 elementary learners previously identified as wasted or severely wasted recorded significant weight gain through the feeding program, while income generated from the project and community support has enabled the school to achieve approximately 99 percent self-sustainability for its hydroponics and robotics initiatives without relying on government maintenance funds.
Meanwhile, Schools Division Superintendent Roland Fronda of the Department of Education Schools Division Office of Balanga City said the recognition affirms the value of strong partnerships among schools, local governments, and communities in advancing quality education, food security, and environmental stewardship.
“Hindi po mangyayari ang collaboration na ito, ang tagumpay na ito kung wala po ang pagtutulungan ng ating eskwelahan at ng community. Mapabilang lang po tayo sa Top 10 is more than an accomplishment (This collaboration and this achievement would not have been possible without the partnership between our school and the community. Being named among the Top 10 is already more than an accomplishment),” Fronda said.
School Principal Janice Forbes said the school’s initiatives have enabled learners to develop not only academically but also as environmentally responsible and community-oriented individuals.
“Ang araw na ito ay hindi lamang isang pagdiriwang ng tagumpay ng ating paaralan kundi isang pagpupugay sa sama-samang pagsisikap, pagtutulungan at pagmamalasakit ng buong komunidad (Today is not only a celebration of our school’s success but also a tribute to the collective effort, cooperation, and unwavering support of the entire community),” Forbes said.
The school’s sustained commitment to environmental education and community engagement has likewise earned it two Hall of Fame recognitions in the regional Gulayan sa Paaralan Program competitions after consistently obtaining ratings of more than 96 percent for sustainability, productivity, and community involvement.
Aligned with the national government’s priorities under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the recognition reinforces efforts to strengthen food security, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and quality basic education by encouraging schools and communities to work together in developing practical, locally driven solutions that improve the lives of Filipino learners and their families.
The public is encouraged to vote for CCIS in the World’s Best School Prizes 2026 Public Vote until October 29, 2026, by visiting https://applications.worldsbestschool.org/public-vote-26, with the Top 3 finalists and the winner scheduled to be announced in November 2026. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Bataan)