To augment daily needs in food and nutrition, some Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries grow various vegetables through Bio-Intensive Gardening and they aim to topnotch this year’s Search for Model Bio-Intensive Garden (BIG).

Representing their respective parent groups of 20 or more, regional contenders proudly showcased their bountiful vegetable gardens in Brgy. Pila, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; Brgy. Mabileg, Sigay, Ilocos Sur; Brgy. Oya-oy, Bacnotan, La Union; and Brgy. Salvacion, Sto. Tomas, Pangasinan to the validators composed of some Pantawid Pamilya Regional Program Management Office staff, Agriculturist II Mr. Jake Bantioey from the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 1, and Civil Society Organization Representative Bro. Tony Supremido.

Applying their learnings from their Family Development Session on BIG, these beneficiaries were able to successfully put up and sustain their communal vegetable garden which they are confident to bag the title.

Each communal garden measures 5×5 meters, maintained for at least three months with no commercial fertilizer applied and served as a source of additional income and nutritious food for their families.

BIG is one of the thrusts and priorities of the Department of Social Welfare and Development this year through the National Advisory Committee Resolution No. 38, series of 2016.

Search results will be announced during the regional awarding on 27 June 2017. Cash prizes are at stake. (by: Jaesem Ryan A. Gaces, Information Officer II/Pantawid Pamilya with reports from Mark Theodore Mamuyac, Supply Side Assessment Focal)