It’s all started when Jessie has been unemployed for several months already while his wife Ramonita got a part-time job as a massage therapist. Their meager income has to feed their three children.

Thankful to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) as the family is still receiving the cash grants including the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) onset of the pandemic which is a great help for their daily needs and start-up capital for their vegetable garden.

Since the eldest child of the couple, who has his own family now, owns farmland whom he bought a few years ago. From unutilized farmland, the couple planted it with palay so they could have a source of income and rice for family consumption however, due to climate change, they have less production for several years already. The couple decided to convert the land into a vegetable and fruit garden.

The family cultivated their garden with love and perseverance which resulted in a good production. At last, selling their farm produce gave them an income between P500 to P1,500 a week during harvest season which is sufficient enough for their daily needs. They have planted also watermelon, and tomatoes, too.

The Vargas family is always thankful for all the blessings that God has given them. In return, they are also giving out some vegetables to their neighbors and friends during the lockdown. (Written by Regina Yosores, Murcia Municipal Link, Negros POO1).