In the heart of Poblacion Bantilan, a community of solo parents is transforming their lives through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Project LAWA at BINHI.
This program, which stands for Local Adaptation to Water Access (LAWA) and Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished (BINHI), is more than just a farming project.
It is a source of hope for solo parents like Delna Ernalista, who are cultivating not only vegetables but also a brighter future for their families.
For many solo parents in Infanta, Quezon, daily life is a series of challenges.
The struggle to provide for their children often feels overwhelming.
However, through Project LAWA at BINHI, these parents are finding strength and new opportunities.
Delna Ernalista, President of the Samahan Ng Mga Kababaihan Na SOLO Parents, shared her journey during an interview with the DSWD’s online documentary series, Mga Kwento ng Pagasa at Pagbabago.
“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 confessed, explaining her initial lack of farming skills.
But through the cash-for-work and training (CFW/T) component of the project, Delna and other solo parents received the knowledge and skills needed to cultivate their own gardens.
“Natuto po ako dito at mag-alaga ng halaman na dati hindi ko ginagawa,” Delna said.
With newfound skills, she no longer needs to buy vegetables from 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,” she added.
The project has not only provided Delna with fresh produce but also a sense of community and support.
She recalled a time when her child needed surgery, and the financial burden was heavy.
“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.
Beyond agricultural skills, the project has also provided a reliable 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.
Project LAWA at BINHI is designed to maintain agricultural productivity during dry periods and manage excess water during heavy rainfall associated with La Niña.
This innovative approach is part of the DSWD’s efforts under the leadership of Secretary Rex Gatchalian to mitigate the impact of food insecurity and water scarcity caused by El Niño while preparing for the potential effects of the rainy season.
The success of Project LAWA at BINHI is highlighted in the DSWD’s Kwento ng Pag-Asa at Pagbabago (#KPAP) series, which features inspiring stories of beneficiaries.
Hosted by Traditional Media Service (TMS) Director Aldrine Fermin, these stories are shared every Tuesday on the DSWD’s official Facebook page.
Through Project LAWA at BINHI, solo parents like Delna are not just growing vegetables; they are cultivating resilience, community, and hope.
The project has empowered them to turn their challenges into opportunities, providing a sustainable source of income and food security for their families.
As the project continues to expand, it promises to bring more solo parents into its fold, offering them the tools and support they need to thrive.
The DSWD’s dedication to innovative and inclusive programs like Project LAWA at BINHI is a testament to its commitment to uplifting the lives of the most vulnerable members of society.
For Delna and her fellow solo parents, the future looks brighter.
With each seed they plant, they are sowing the seeds of a better tomorrow, not just for themselves but for their children and their community.
Through hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of the DSWD, they are proving that even in the face of adversity, growth and transformation are possible.