Lush veggies now grow in eyesore lot
Avacant lot that used to be an eyesore at the Malacañang Park was transformed in just little over a month into a lush vegetable garden of pechay, mustard and upland kangkong.
The vegetable garden, exactly 628 square meters, is a joint project of the Presidential Security Group headed by Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista and the Tarlac Heritage Foundation headed by Dr. Isa Cojuangco Suntay.
The transformation was really very fast with members of the PSG doing the land preparation with the advice of Anthony Cortes, an agriculturist who used to work for a big seed company. Clearing was started on December 23, 2016. By January 30, the planting beds had been formed and plastic mulch installed subsequently
On January 6, the seedlings were planted by the soldiers, male and female, and then tended by them throughout the growing period on rotation basis. Of course, Tony Cortes has always been there to lend his know-how.
One purpose of the project is to show that even the most unlikely vacant lots can be turned into a vegetable garden that can benefit families whose daily diets could be improved with fresh harvests. The gardeners could even sell their harvest for additional income.
The project is also one way of opening the eyes of the soldiers on the possibility of undertaking similar projects on their own or for communities that they serve. During the harvest on February 6, with President Duterte attending, the vegetables were donated to Hospicio de San Jose and to the less privileged residents in the surrounding communities.
On February 2, exactly 27 days after the planting of the seedlings, a press preview was held. The vegetables were already ready for harvesting but it was scheduled on Feb. 6 so the president can witness the harvesting. That was exactly one month after the seedlings were transplanted.
During the harvest, members of the PSG themselves did the harvesting and distribution to the beneficiaries. The recipients did not only receive the fresh veggies but also baskets of rice and sweet potato.