MALAY, Aklan – The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Division through the Enhanced Support Services Intervention (ESSI) conducted a Sustainability Monitoring Visit on the ESSI projects at the Indigenous People (IPs) community in Brgy. Cogon, in this place.

The team headed by the ESSI Focal Jeanen Segunla and IPs Focal Maylyn Devera personally checked the community vegetable garden in the area. The garden was established through ESSI’s Cash for Work (CFW) program in June last year. As a result, the project is now helping the community provide healthy daily meals and extra income for the members who are all 4Ps beneficiaries.

As of last week, the group sold pechay worth Php3,500 marking a significant increase in their earnings compared to previous cycles. The proceeds were equally divided among the members who were active in maintaining the garden.

According to IPs member Gilda Salibio, they are thankful for the project which gave them additional income which is a big help to buy for their daily needs

“Aside from our income, we build stronger camaraderie and unity towards our members,” she said.

Another member of the community Analyn Tandog also shared that her salary received being a laborer was not enough thus, their garden’s income gave them additional income.

“Pag may itinanim ka, may aanihin (What you sow, you reaped),” she quipped.

The community also prepared seedlings for the next planting cycle, demonstrating their commitment to the project. Seeing the tangible benefits, the members are determined to continue sustaining the garden, knowing it supports their well-being and financial stability. *