SOCCSKSARGEN—Headed by National Nutrition Council XII, the regionwide 2020 Online Search for Best Vegetable garden had finally been concluded.    With the seeds provided by the Department of Agriculture XII, the contest aims to establish vegetable gardens and promote vegetable gardening to encourage food security, increase food supply and boost awareness among the government workers and the community on the significance of growing vegetables that is safe, nutritious, and economical especially during the pandemic crisis while utilizing their backyards/respective office premises.

The contest was divided in two (2) categories which was opened to all Regional Line Agencies (RLA) and employees.    The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) XII had been adjudged as the winner for the RLA’s category, beating other four (4) entries from National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) XII-2^nd place, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology XII (BJMP)-3^RD place, Department of Agriculture XII and Department of Health XII.    Winners will be awarded with certificate of award and cash prize of 5,000 Php (1^st prize), 4,000 Php (2^nd prize) and 3,000 Php (3^rd prize).    Tokens and certificate will also be given as consolation prizes.

Further, the only entry from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) XII in the person of Ms. Zenaida Florano, was declared the winner for the RLA employee category who will receive 3,000 Php cash prize and certificate of award.  

On the otherhand, DILG XII’s backyard garden sealed back-to-back wins for the first time. Growing to more than 25 kinds of vegetable plants, their office garden was established last 2019 to keep the employees active and healthy despite their hectic work schedule. This initiative continues to support the national government’s advocacy for food sufficiency and good nutrition despite the pandemic. (DPAurel/AMFlores/NPC)