ILOILO — Planting a variety of vegetables will not only make you healthy but it will also be your primary source of income if you do not have a regular job. All you need is a little land parcel, small amount of capital, hard work and sacrifices.

This is what the Tamayo family of Barangay Sepanton Lemery, Iloilo did to earn a living. The husband Marlou was the one who started the vegetable plantation five years ago with the help of his wife Cresmarie. They planted vegetables like ampalaya, pipino, string beans, and okra.

The couple has established connections with the local buyers who come to their place twice a week during harvest season. Their income every week ranges from P4,000 to P7,000 per week.

The couple is an active member of Agricultural institution like CARE that provided them several trainings and workshops. Also, they lend them capital for their garden and payable after harvest.

Unfortunately, the husband died last March 2018 but according to Cresmarie, life must go on.

“The money we earned from gardening is a great help for the burial of my husband and now, for the construction of our house. I will continue to take care of our garden that my husband left to us”, she said.

With the absence of their father, the couple’s children are also helping their mother cultivate their garden which is their main source of income.

Cresmarie is also thankful for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program for securing the education and health of her children.//dswd6/Iloilo POO