DSWD-7 names Gulayan sa Barangay winners

CEBU, Philippines —  The Department of Social Welfare and Development-7 has recently bared the provincial winners of the Gulayan sa Barangay through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Taytay Eskaya Tribe Farmers Association in Duero town finished first place in the province of Bohol, followed by Barangay Bayong in Guindulman town (second place), and Barangay Tambongan Integrated Community Food Production in Candijay town (third place).

In Cebu province, Barangay Poblacion in Samboan town won first place, while Barangay Pajo of Lapu-Lapu City and Barangay Kawit in Medellin town placed second and third, respectively.

The Gulayan ng Pantawid Pamilya sa Purok Daro, Barangay Nagboalao in Basay town won first place in the Negros Oriental, while Canggabok Farmers Association in Santa Calina town and Barangay Guba in Vallehermoso town won second and third, respectively.

In the province of Siquijor, the Cantabon Sustainable Livelihood Association in Siquijor town was hailed as first prize winner, followed by Barangay Timbaon in San Juan town and Barangay Cabal-asan in Maria town, which ended up second and third, respectively.

The top three winners from each province will receive cash incentives depending on the rank, as well as the possible incentives like distribution of seedlings and technical assistance from partner stakeholders.

Six entries participated in Bohol, 14 in Cebu, five in Negros Oriental, and four in Siquijor. They were composed of 4Ps partner-beneficiaries.

During the first two weeks of August 2021, the respective Pantawid Provincial Operations Office, together with partner National Government Agencies (NGAs), Provincial Agriculture Office, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), conducted a field validation to the finalists of Bohol, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental while a desk validation of Cebu province due to the modified-enhanced community quarantine status.

Finalists were graded based on the following criteria: practices of organic culture, production and variety of edible crops and vegetables, creativity and innovativeness, resourcefulness, and documentation.

The Gulayan sa Barangay (GSP) is one of the platforms of 4Ps in promoting health, nutrition, and food security that encourages beneficiaries to engage in community gardening.

This encourages 4Ps partner-beneficiaries to do edible gardening where families get to enjoy and have access to fresh, organic, and nutritious food as well as stimulates savings, livelihood, and response to environmental protection.

GSP anchors on the General Appropriations Act (GAA) provision that the 4Ps shall require its beneficiaries to maintain organic vegetable gardens in open spaces within their areas. — JMD (FREEMAN)