PROSPERIDAD, AGUSAN DEL SUR – In line with this year’s observance of Nutrition Month campaign, the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries of Barangay Mabuhay grew their own vegetable garden to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Susana Hipolito, parent leader, said that they put up the garden all by themselves with the knowledge they got during Family Development Sessions.

“Tungod sa FDS, nakakat-on kami nga importante gayud ang pag-atiman sa atong kalawasan. Ang among pagpananom nakatabang kanamo sa pisikal ug pinansyal nga bahin (Because of FDS, we learned the importance of taking care of our bodies. Our gardening has helped us physically and financially),” she said.

Their communal garden showcased variety of vegetables that they have planted. These are eggplants, okra (lady fingers), beans, cucumbers, peppers, and onions. Cacao plants and sugarcane are also available in their garden area. Aside from earning by selling these vegetables, growing their own garden has helped them save since they will no longer buy in the market.

Last Monday, during the kick-off of the Nutrition Month Celebration headed by Department of Health – Center for Health and Development Caraga (DOH-CHD Caraga), Dr. Jose Llacuna Jr., regional director, encouraged all the government agencies to support their undertakings in raising the awareness of Caraganons towards healthy living and nutrition concerns.

This year’s theme is, “Kumain nang Wasto at Maging Aktibo… Push Natin ‘to!” ###(JOANA RICA P. MILLAMA/Social Marketing Section/DSWD Field Office Caraga)