Barangay Barlo in Mabini, Pangasinan, once known as a conflict-vulnerable area, has transformed into a thriving community of peace and productivity through its Bio-Intensive Garden (BIG), a symbol of unity, hard work, and hope.

In 2020, 26 former members and supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) surrendered to the government, paving the way for peace-building efforts under Oplan Panagsubli. The DSWD Field Office 1 – Ilocos Region (DSWD FO 1), through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Division, local government unit (LGU), families were trained in organic farming and livelihood development.

At the height of the pandemic in 2021, the Barangay Council of Barlo and 47 volunteers began cultivating a portion of public land using recycled materials and seeds from the Municipal Agriculture Office. What started as a small survival project has grown into the Barlo Bio-Intensive Garden, a model of sustainable agriculture in the Ilocos Region.

The initiative was strengthened through the DSWD’s Cash-for-Work program and eventually led to the formation of the Rice and Vegetable Farmers Association of Barlo (RVFAB), a DOLE-accredited and LGU-recognized organization with 49 active members, 39 of whom are 4Ps household beneficiaries.

Occupying a 4,000-square-meter donated lot now known as Plaza Diosdado Vallado, the garden produces a variety of organic crops, including eggplant, tomato, ampalaya, papaya, banana, and more. It also features a nursery, irrigation system, and aquaculture ponds for tilapia. Members use homemade fertilizers from rice hulls and compost, ensuring eco-friendly farming.

Beyond vegetables, the association now sells value-added products such as Maja Kalabasa, Atsarang Papaya, Puto Malunggay, Chili Oil, and Banana Chips. From 2022 to September 2025, the RVFAB earned over PhP126,000 in total sales, reinvesting profits into savings for operations, emergencies, and future expansion.

A farming system called “Adopt-a-Plot” is also in place to improve the garden’s management. Each family maintains their own section of the garden, and the produced fruits and vegetables serve as a supplementary food for the family’s consumption. This approach not only encourages active participation but also promotes self reliance and nutritional well-being. More than just a source of livelihood, the garden brought lasting change to Barlo families. It has strengthened food security, improved nutrition, and fostered closer family and community ties. 

The RVFAB’s partnerships with Balincaguin Minimart Sustainable Livelihood Program Association (SLPA), Hundred Islands Consumers Cooperative, Bolo Bakers SLPA, Saint Pascual Bakers, and Toothpool Resort further expand their market reach. Plans also include joining the Department of Agriculture Kadiwa ng Pangulo and DSWD Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) programs to widen their opportunities.

These collective efforts led Barlo BIG’s win as the Regional Winner in the DSWD FO 1 Search for Model BIGGEST (Bio-Intensive Garden Gearing to Enhance and Sustain Transformation) 2025. The Bayanihang Garden ng Rosario from Tabtabungao, Rosario, La Union was named 1st Runner-Up, while Raniag iti Masakbayan 4Ps BIG from Aglipay, Pinili, Ilocos Norte, and 4Ps Gulayan ng Pudoc West from Pudoc West, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur shared the 2nd Runner-Up title.

From an upland barangay once marked by conflict, Barlo now blooms with life and unity. Through the collective efforts of the DSWD, LGU Mabini, and the 4Ps household beneficiaries, the Bio-Intensive Garden stands as a living testament that peace, when nurtured with compassion and perseverance, can indeed take root and bear fruit.