Posted on

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 7 officially announced the winners of the Search for 4Ps Gulayan sa Barangay 2025, a regional initiative that highlights the efforts of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) partner-beneficiaries in promoting food security and sustainable gardening practices.

4Ps parent group in Barangay Canhaway, Guindulman together with the Bohol Provincial Operations Office (POO) staff during the field validation of the Gulayan sa Barangay contest.

The competition, which was first launched in 2021 at the height of the pandemic, was revived this year to continue recognizing communal gardens cultivated by 4Ps parent groups across the barangays of Central Visayas. These edible gardens provide families and their communities with access to fresh, organic, and nutritious food.

“We have been encouraging our 4Ps partner-beneficiaries to establish their own edible gardens—whether individual, communal, or school-based—so they can have their own sustainable source of healthy and nutritious food,” said DSWD-7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero.

Director Lucero emphasized that gardening helps 4Ps households secure viands to complement their monthly rice subsidy while also fostering camaraderie among beneficiaries. She also cited the importance of partnerships with the local government units and other stakeholders who provide land, seedlings, technical assistance, and logistical support.

Through the monthly Family Development Session (FDS), 4Ps beneficiaries also receive agricultural training from local agriculture offices to help them sustain their gardens.

Entries were judged based on several criteria, including the practice of organic culture such as soil fertility management, composting, pest management, and use of organic fertilizer; the production and variety of crops and vegetables, with emphasis on having at least 15 plant varieties, five herbs, and additional points for fruit-bearing trees; creativity and innovativeness in garden design, layout, and use of ornamental plants and recyclable or indigenous materials; resourcefulness in maximizing local resources and innovations; and proper documentation, which covered record-keeping, harvest tracking, and photo and feature story submissions.

In Bohol Province, the winners were the PAG-ASA Parent Group from Barangay Canhaway, Guindulman (1st place); the Pagpakabana Parent Group from Barangay San Agustin, Talibon (2nd place); and the STAR Communal Garden Group from Barangay Hibale, Danao (3rd place).

4Ps partner-beneficiaries in Barangay Mantalongon, Barili, Cebu tend to their communal garden.

While in Cebu Province, the Mantalongon Parent Group from Barangay Mantalongon, Barili, won 1st place, followed by the Gulayamanan Farmers Association from Barangay Mojon, Bantayan, in 2nd place, and the Team Panaghiusa from Barangay Poblacion Occidental, Consolacion, in 3rd place.

The top three winning entries from each province in Central Visayas will receive monetary prizes and plaques of recognition.

“The Gulayan sa Barangay is not just about planting vegetables. It is about empowering families, strengthening communities, and ensuring that every household has access to food on their table,” Director Lucero added. ###