The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the region has recently concluded the provincial winners of the Gulayan sa Barangay through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Four provinces in Central Visayas, namely: Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, with six, fourteen, five, and four provincial finalists, respectively, took part in the search composing 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.

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

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

In the province of Siquijor, the Cantabon Sustainable Livelihood Association in Siquijor town hailed as first and followed by Barangay Timbaon in San Juan town and Barangay Cabal-asan in Maria town for second and third place, 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.

This is viewed to be a good strategy in ensuring food access and food security during the pandemic. The Gulayan sa Barangay aims to encourage 4Ps beneficiaries to cultivate their own garden, promote health, nutrition, and food security in the community. ###

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