ILOILO CITY – Some 7,000 beneficiaries have been engaged for an emergency cash-for-work program to plant vegetables in their backyards or available open spaces across Iloilo City.

The initiative, implemented under the Department of Labor and Employment’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Office of Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda, will begin on Tuesday.

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

“Some 7,000 Ilonggos will have the opportunity to help their barangays while earning through TUPAD. This time, we are helping make healthier options available on their dining tables as we partner with the Department of Agriculture to re-popularize urban gardening,” Baronda said in a statement.

Each beneficiary will work for 10 days and receive PHP550 per day.

Baronda said the convergence program was conceptualized after her staff observed a rise in patients with lifestyle-related diseases seeking assistance from her office.

The lawmaker expressed hope that beneficiaries would continue tending to their vegetable plots even after the 10-day period, eventually making them a sustainable source of produce.

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

Also present at 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.