“Often when you think you are at the end of something, you are actually at the beginning of something else.”- Fred Rogers

In partnership with SM Foundation, Macondray and Veterans memorial Medical Center, the Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region, through Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program successfully honed a new batch of Urban Farmers in Quezon City.

On April 30, 2019 a total of 89 Pantawid Pamilya members were recognized as Urban Gardeners through the Graduation Ceremony of the Urban Gardening Program, “Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Urban Gardeners Training Program” Batch 192. The program participants were able to gain knowledge on effective gardening and small scale farming of vegetables all throughout the 13 week – long training. They were also able to formulate a sustainability plan which includes their objectives and plans after the training.

Mr. Don Edward Vijandre, Manager of SM North EDSA graced the opening of graduation ceremony. An audio-visual presentation of the program participants’ journey towards sustainability was the presented. Ms. Raquel Avecilla, Area Coordinator of Pantawid Pamilya Operations Office 4, together with Christie Angeles, Vice-President of SM Foundation led the awarding of certificates to program participants. A vertical farming and small scale gardening starter kit was also given to the graduates. Also, selected participants and stakeholders shared their messages.

Ms. Avecilla on her closing message encouraged the Pantawid Pamilyang participants to apply their learning to their everyday lives – plant their own vegetables instead of buying one in the market, start to generate additional income for their families, live a healthy life and lastly open their road to sustainability. ###