TAMPAKAN, South Cotabato — A community garden in Barangay Liberty is taking root as part of the barangay’s food security efforts, with support from Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) helping strengthen local food production.
Through SMI’s annual Social Development and Management Program (SDMP), the barangay received vegetable seeds, fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides to support the development and continued operation of its community garden.
For Barangay Liberty Councilor Gina R. Ceballos, Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, the assistance gives the community additional resources to advance its food security plans.
“Dako kaayo nga tabang kanamo dinhi sa barangay og amo kining ampingan, bahin-bahinon namo para ma-share pud sa ubang komunidad,” Ceballos said.
The barangay has an ordinance supporting community gardens as part of its food security efforts and has designated a 2,500-square-meter area within the Barangay Local Government Unit compound for the project.
Ceballos said the barangay will maximize the agricultural inputs by distributing them appropriately. Any excess supplies may also be shared with other associations managing community gardens, allowing more residents to benefit.
“Paningkamutan gyud namo nga ma-inprove pa kining among community garden aron mas daghan pang katawhan ang maka-benippisyo,” she said.
The initiative is also intended to encourage greater community participation in local food production, turning the garden into a shared effort toward food security.
Ceballos thanked SMI for including Barangay Liberty in the program and encouraged residents to support the initiative.
“Nagapasalamat kami sa SMI nga na-tap kami sa ilahang programa og gihatagan mi og oportunidad nga maka-benipisyo sa ilahang mga programa,” she added.
She also encouraged the community to support SMI’s Tampakan Project, which aims to create opportunities and contribute to development in its host and neighboring communities.
“Akong gina-awhag ang komunidad nga suportahan nato ang SMI, ang ilahang proyekto aron daghan pang katawhan ang maka-benipisyo,” Barangay Council member Ceballos said.
For SMI, every livelihood initiative is an opportunity to help families build stronger livelihoods—turning community support into practical benefits that can be felt at the household level. (30)
