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In 2020, Pondo ng Pinoy Community Foundation Inc. (PnPCFI) supported the Our Lady’s Organic Garden (OLOG), a project initiative of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Diocese of Antipolo through its Ministry on Social and Human Development. The project aims to improve the living conditions of at least 20 urban poor families displaced workers affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic. She added that indirect benefit will accrue to the wider community in the village in the long run.
The Immaculate Conception Parish, Local Government Unit of Cainta, Rizal, Sangguniang Bayan, and the Vista Verde Homeowners’ Association worked hand in hand in converting a 3,000 sq. m. open spaces into an urban organic farm. The once idle farm transformed into a food production space that translated into additional income for those who are still employed and a good source of income on the side for those heads of the families looking for a job and displaced during the pandemic. Most of the beneficiaries are women and single parents who are determined to support the needs of their families.
Food security also comes when the beneficiaries availed the harvested vegetables at a lower price.
According to Ms. Lileth Alcantara, Ministry for Social and Human Development Parish Coordinator, “beneficiaries have felt the goodness and mercy of God in the small acts of kindness from people coming together to realize the project”. She added that the support from Pondo ng Pinoy is more than the financial aid, it serves as the motivating factor to continue their mission in the community.
Pondo ng Pinoy being the source of funding for the OLOG project conveys the message that the church is not only interested in dole-outs during crisis such as this pandemic but more so concerned about providing long-term and sustainable aid for them.
The project is in line with the Urban Community Organic Vegetable Farming for Livelihood Improvement Program which encourages strong community participation. It is located at Phase 1 Open Space, Burgos St. and Phase 4 Cimon St. Vista Verde Executive Village, Cainta Rizal. (Gecerein Sayen Ocampo, PnPCFI)
