April 3, 2025 – Eighteen parent leaders of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Plaridel, Quezon completed the skills training on organic farming and sustainable agriculture last March 28, 2025. This training was conducted through the initiative of the Municipal Agriculture Office of the said town.

According to Tricia Fhey Lique, the assigned 4Ps Municipal Link in Plaridel, this initiative complements the advocacy of the Department in maintaining backyard or communal gardens among 4Ps households towards achieving food security within their communities.

The training provided inputs to the parent leaders on proper soil management, composting, and natural pest control among others.

“Ako po ay simpleng maybahay at wala talagang hilig sa paghahalaman. Gayunpaman, matapos kong dumalo dito ay nagbago ang aking pananaw dahil natutunan ko kung paano magsimula at magpalago ng organikong pananim para magkaroon ng masustansyang ani,” shared Shirley Villamiel, a parent leader from Brgy. Tanauan.

Villamiel added that she will share what she learned from the training to her fellow beneficiaries.

“Mahalaga na lahat kami ay magkaroon ng kaalaman sa organikong pagsasaka upang mapabuti ang aming community garden. Malaking tulong ito para sa aming pangkabuhayan at pagpapanatili ng kalusugan ng aming pamilya,” she shared.

Merlyn Manalo, a parent leader from Brgy. Concepcion, shared that she and her co-beneficiaries in their barangay will apply the inputs provided to them.

“Sa aming pagtutulungan ay magkakaroon kami ng masustansyang pagkain at maaari pang magsilbing dagdag-kabuhayan,” said Manalo.

Other than the training, the local government of Plaridel also provided gardening tools and supplies to help the 4Ps beneficiaries in starting their organic gardens.

Some of the tools and supplies provided include vegetable seedlings, seedling trays, organic fertilizers, sprinklers, and shovels. [with reports from TFFLique]