A total of 7,000 beneficiaries have been tapped for the emergency cash for work program to plant vegetables in their backyard or any open spaces in their surroundings in Iloilo City.

The initiative, under the Tulong Panghanabuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced (TUPAD) of the Department of Labor and Employment in convergence with the Department of Agriculture and the Office of Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda, will commence on Tuesday.

An orientation and ceremonial turnover of vegetable seeds, seedlings and fertilizers from DA were conducted on Monday.

“Some 7,000 Ilonggos would be able to have the opportunity to help their barangays while earning for themselves through TUPAD. And this time we will help make healthier options available on their dining tables as we partnered with the Department of Agriculture to re-popularize urban gardening,” Baronda said in a statement.

The beneficiaries will render work for 10 days and will be paid PHP550 daily.

The idea of a convergence program was conceived after Baronda’s staff noticed the increasing number of patients with lifestyle diseases seeking help from her office.

The lawmaker hoped that even after the 10-day period, the beneficiaries would continue to tend to their vegetable garden and make it a source of their vegetable requirement.

“Let us plant vegetables in pots or open spaces, or anywhere we can grow them. Come harvest time, you would save money while enjoying a healthy meal. Let’s live and eat healthy,” Baronda said.

Also present during the ceremony were Iloilo City Vice Mayor Julie Grace Baronda, Councilor Sheen Marie Mabilog, DA Western Visayas OIC – Regional Technical Director for Operations and Extension Maria Teresa Solis, and DOLE Iloilo Field Office Internal Management Services Division head Arlyn Siaotong. (PNA)