Home gardening project serves as alternative livelihood to 400 families

One of the most affected sectors during this COVID-19 pandemic is the livelihood of families. Breadwinners lost  their jobs after companies cut their workforce to adapt during economic crisis, while small-scale business owners are forced to close shop.

In rural areas such as in Culasi, a quaint town in Antique province, families are prohibited to go outside for a longer time due to the government’s quarantine protocols. The province is currently under Modified General Community Quarantine which still minimizes travel and crowd gathering.

The local government addresses the basic needs of the families by distributing cash and food aid.

To sustain the family’s food consumption and create an alternative source of income, World Vision launched the Food For Education With Agricultural Development and Sustainability (FORWARD) Project.

The project aims to train families on how to successfully grow vegetables and crops at home. It also encourages the families to sustain the project for at least three years and market their products.

As a start-up capital, each family received 9 packs of different vegetable seeds, 1 seedling tray, 6kg of vermicast (natural fertilizer), and 10kg rice.

The municipality’s Agricultural Services Office also supported the activity by sharing knowledge about how to grow crops and vegetables the right way. They also handed out reading materials for the future vegetable gardeners.

Others also received a start up kit for their own eatery business. They received cooking materials such gas stove and pots, vegetable ingredients, and more.

In this trying time when families are reeling from the economic impact brought by the pandemic, any livelihood opportunity that will help them stand back on their feet will go a long way.

Photos by Racy Dador, Shekinah Fegarido and Jessamy Ribeiro; Story by Mong Jimenez.



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