The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) intensifies its efforts in alleviating food insecurity and malnutrition in the country. A grant assistance worth PhP 588,000.00 was granted to the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction to support its “Gulayan sa Barangay Kontra COVID-19” program.

The donation will provide two community gardens, two nurseries, two rainwater catchments, and 100 NutRelief packs containing edible and plantable seeds. The program will be implemented in Gov. D.M. Camerino Elementary School in Imus City, Cavite and Maguyam Elementary School in Silang, Cavite, benefitting 140 families.

Gulayan sa Barangay promotes community gardens as a strategy to rebuild and strengthen the local food systems. It aims to build more healthy and resilient communities through food access, nutrition, and environmental sustainability. Other long-term benefits of the program are creation of economic opportunities for the surrounding communities, increased access to local healthy food resources, environmental awareness, and increased community participation.

Targeted to be completed by September this year, the program is also supported by other private agencies, local government units, non-government organizations, and civil society organizations.