In Barangay Sta. Monica in Moncada town in Tarlac, a once empty and unused piece of land is now an ecotourism spot that features a community garden and fishpond, all taking shape not only from an enriching environment, but also of the residents’ strong sense of ‘bayanihan’ amid trying times.
Krystal Dantes, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO) of Sta. Monica said bringing the once vacant lot to its current state was not an overnight transformation. It was even built at the height of dry spells in 2024 that brought various challenges to the farmers in many parts of the country.
However, grassroot efforts to mitigate these effects flourished at the heart of Sta. Monica with the help of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) and BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished).
“Isa po kasi yung mga farmers natin na apektado talaga sa pagbabago ng panahon katulad ng El Niño at disaster po kaya malaking tulong po ang binigay ng project LAWA and BINHI sa Barangay Sta. Monica dahil nagkaroon po sila ng pinagkukunan ng mga resources nila pag kailangan nila,” MSWDO Dantes said in the 19th episode of the DSWD’s award winning online documentary #KPAP or Kwento ng Pag-Asa at Pagbabago.
The project LAWA and BINHI is a project of the DSWD launched in 2023 to maintain agricultural productivity during dry periods and to manage excess water during periods of heavy rainfall associated with the La Niña.
When you hear of a place anywhere in the province of Tarlac, it is natural to picture scenic pastures, rice terrains, and hectares of sugar cane plantations, as it is nestled in the region of Central Luzon which is known as the rice granary of the Philippines.
Even communities like Sta. Monica has not been spared from the effects of climate change which can range from crops losses to disruptions in livelihood opportunities.
Amid these threats, the DSWD took immediate action to help this village through the agency’s interventions under the Project LAWA and BINHI.
For 20 days, a total of 75 members of the Santarocavi Farmers Association underwent cash for work/training (CFW/T) to build a community garden and a small fish pond in a vacant lot in Barangay Sta. Monica.
Seedlings and fingerlings were also handed over both by the DSWD and the local government unit (LGU).
In the face of rising resources, the community exhibited their willingness to seize the opportunity as they became united in transforming the place to become more presentable and worthy of being called an ‘ecotourism spot.’
By the time it was finished, the people had not only brought the best out of the project. They were not only able to harvest climate resilient crops but they also deepened their bond as a community and kept alive the ‘bayanihan’ spirit.
“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa DSWD, dahil sa tulong po nila, meron po kaming pinagkukunang gulay, hindi na namin binibili, kukuha na lang po kami dito ng pagkain namin po sa aming bahay,” Virginia Tolentino, one of the beneficiaries of Project LAWA and BINHI told #KPAP.
Out of the local’s goodwill, the communal garden now also serves as a ‘community pantry’ where residents can take home vegetables for free.
The farmers also donate their harvest to community development centers which are used for supplementary food programs for children living in the community and nearby areas.
Bearing witness to the ground impact of Project LAWA and BINHI, town local officials cited the importance of government initiatives that truly uplift and drive the most vulnerable to become agents of change themselves, and help others in their own little way.
“Ang LAWA and BINHI, isa talagang napakahalagang bagay para matutunan po ng iba na hindi lahat ng bagay ay kailangan po may bayad. Kailangan din po natin makiiambag hindi lang sa ating sariling pangkapakanan kundi sa kapakanan ng nakararami,” Bernadine Ferrer, the barangay captain of Sta. Monica, said.
The #KPAP is a joint production of the Traditional Media Service (TMS) and the Digital Media Service (DMS), which are under the Strategic Communications group. It is hosted by TMS Director Aldrine Fermin and is posted every Tuesday on the DSWD’s official Facebook page. (LSJ)