Residents of Barangay San Isidro in San Luis, Pampanga are now reaping the rewards of a 7,000-square meter community garden planted with kangkong, sili, okra, talong, papaya, among other fruits and vegetables.
The garden, where residents could also harvest tilapia from a nearby river, is one of the significant results of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s efforts to end hunger and promote community self-sufficiency.
This initiative was made possible through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) twin programs—Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) and Project BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished).
In a press briefing on Thursday, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro underscored the significant progress of the programs, following the inspection by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian in Barangay San Isidro, San Luis on Wednesday.
Gatchalian witnessed firsthand how residents are benefiting from the initiative.
“Nilalayon ng mga proyekto na gawing self-sufficient ang beneficiaries at matuto sila ng tamang paraan ng pagtatanim ng gulay,” Castro said. “Sa ganitong paraan ay masisiguro ng buong barangay na may laman ang bawat hapag kainan.”
Launched in 2023, Project LAWA and BINHI are DSWD initiatives that equip communities with knowledge on proper planting methods, climate-resilient farming, and sustainable gardening practices.
The Barangay San Isidro community garden currently involves around 150 beneficiaries, including local farmers, senior citizens, and solo parents, who participate under the Cash-for-Training and Work (CFT/W) component of the program.
Each beneficiary receives PHP10,000 in exchange for 20 days of work and participation in training sessions.
“Alinsunod ito sa utos ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. na kada pamilyang Pilipino ay may sapat na masustansyang pagkain sa araw-araw,” Castro said.
The success of the Barangay San Isidro community garden reflects the administration’s ongoing efforts to empower communities and ensure that Filipino families have direct access to nutritious and sustainable food sources. | PND
