Some 3,000 Parañaque residents now earn the benefits of urban farming techniques through “Ginhawa Gardening” workshops organized last year by West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad), in partnership with the local government of Parañaque City.
Since the program’s implementation in 2016, Maynilad was able to conduct 12 workshops, where 3,000 participants from 16 barangays learned gardening skills that now enable them to grow vegetables in their own backyards. Among the participants were senior citizens and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries of the Parañaque LGU
Barangay Moonwalk resident Ricardo de Quiroz affirms the value of the Ginhawa Gardening workshops. “Nakatulong ito hindi lamang para may makain ang aming pamilya kundi para may mapagkakakitaan kami sa pamamagitan ng pagbebenta ng gulay (It was able to help not only by serving as my family’s food source but also by enabling us to earn through the selling of vegetables).”
Maynilad aims to expand its Ginhawa Gardening program to other cities by conducting similar workshops and establishing small vegetable gardens in eight public schools this 2017.
“Maynilad continues to live up to its commitment of providing service beyond water. Through Ginhawa Gardening, we hope to enjoin communities in the practice of urban farming so that more families can enjoy the benefits of growing food in their own homes,” said Maynilad President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez.
Maynilad is the largest private water concessionaire in the Philippines in terms of customer base. It is the agent and contractor of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) for the West Zone of the Greater Manila Area, which is composed of the cities of Manila (certain portions), Quezon City (certain portions), Makati (west of South Super Highway), Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon all in Metro Manila; the cities of Cavite, Bacoor and Imus, and the towns of Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario, all in Cavite Province.
PHOTO CAPTION: Husband and wife tandem Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo de Quiroz learn the basics of backyard gardening in one Ginhawa Gardening workshop held in Barangay Moonwalk, Parañaque City.
