For the solo parents of Poblacion Bantilan in the Municipality of Infanta in Quezon province, the challenges of daily life can be overwhelming. Yet, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) at BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished), these solo parents are rediscovering not only their strength but also a pathway to better livelihoods and a brighter future for their children.
“Hindi po talaga ako nagtatanim. May kasabihan po na mayroong may malamig ang kamay. Ako po mainit ang aking kamay dahil parang hindi nabubuhay,” Delna Eranista, President of the Samahan Ng Mga Kababaihan Na SOLO Parents, and a beneficiary of the Project LAWA at BINHI, shared during an interview by the DSWD’s Mga Kwento ng Pagasa at Pagbabago, the online documentary by the Strategic Communications group.
Through the Project LAWA at BINHI, the members of the association of solo parents were provided with cash-for-work and training (CFW/T).
The CFT component prepared them and gave them the knowledge on farming.
“Natuto po ako dito [na magtanim] at mag-alaga ng halaman na dati hindi ko ginagawa,” Delna said.
Through the project, Delna no longer need to buy vegetables in the market.
“Naging pump attendant ako sa gasolinahan, minsan nagtu-tutor din ako, pag may um-order ng pagkain, nagluluto po ako ng kakanin. Ngayon ay nadagdag po itong Project LAWA at BINHI. Bawas na po sa aming konsumo dahil pwede akong makakuha rito ng libreng gulay na sariwa na, mura pa,” Delna narrated.
Delna also recalled an instance where the agency’s project and the other solo parents in their province have helped her.
“Naoperahan yung anak ko, kailangan ng malaking pera… Sinusubukan po naming magdala ng paninda at may bumibili. Ibig sabihin ay may papasok pong kita sa akin kahit papaano sa tulong ng Project LAWA at BINHI. Dahil aktibo yung mga miyembro, susuportahan at tutulungan ako na mabenta yung pagkain para mayroon akong maisuporta doon sa anak ko,” Delna explained.
The programs’ implementation has not only strengthened the participants’ agricultural skills but also provided them with a source of potable water.
“Yung balon po ay pwede ring paglabahan dahil maganda ang tubig. Ngayon po naging maluwag dahil gumawa kami ng bubon (well) dahil may hose na galing sa DSWD. Doon na po kami kumukuha ng tubig pandilig para sa lahat,” Delna said.
For the solo parents of Infanta, turning their passion for gardening into a sustainable livelihood is no easy task, but it’s one they have embraced with determination. With support from the DSWD’s programs, they have been able to enhance their vegetable gardens, producing fresh, nutritious food for their families and even for sale in the local market.
“Malaking tulong po ang Project LAWA at BINHI sa aming solo parents dahil nakadaragdag sa aming income na pang araw-araw. Maliit man po subalit malaking karagdagan po para sa aming pangangailangan,” said Delna.
The Project LAWA at BINHI is designed to maintain agricultural productivity during dry periods and to manage excess water during periods of heavy rainfall associated with La Niña.
The project is among the innovations in the DSWD under the leadership of Secretary Rex Gatchalian that focuses on mitigating the impact of food insecurity and water scarcity caused by El Niño while preparing for the potential effects of the rainy season.
The Kwento ng Pag-Asa at Pagbabago (#KPAP) features success stories of DSWD beneficiaries. It is hosted by Traditional Media Service (TMS) Director Aldrine Fermin and posted every Tuesday in the DSWD’s official Facebook page.
