The Agricultural Training Institute - Central Luzon (ATI-CL), in partnership with the Minalin Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) through the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), conducted a three-day Training on FAITH (Food Always in the Home) Gardening Technology for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) from June 9 to 11, 2026, at Evacuation Center in Minalin, Pampanga.
The activity brought together 26 members of the PWD Federation of Minalin and aimed to enhance their skills in household food production, value addition, and entrepreneurship, ultimately promoting food security and economic resilience among PWD households.
The training opened with discussions highlighting the vital role of PWDs as active contributors to inclusive community development. Participants also gained a deeper understanding of their rights, contributions, and available government support programs through a session facilitated by Karen Kate N. Cunanan of the MSWDO-Minalin.
Participants were introduced to the principles and practices of FAITH Gardening, including vegetable cultural management, nutrient and pest management, and post-harvest handling. Krizzell D. Galang, Training Specialist I, discussed gardening technologies suitable for limited spaces such as container gardening, vertical gardening, and lowland hydroponics, which can be readily adopted by PWDs. Meanwhile, Babelyn P. Lopez, Training Specialist II, shared practical approaches to nutrient and pest management in backyard gardens, while Richard C. Paulo, Farm Worker, demonstrated seed sowing, composting, and the preparation of natural fertilizers.
To strengthen participantsโ livelihood opportunities, the training also featured value-adding activities for agricultural products. Led by Maria Concepcion M. Arcega, Farm Owner of Mills Enterprise, the demonstrations covered the processing of banana chips, gabi chips, kangkong chips, chili oil, and various tilapia-based products, including tilapia tinapa, lumpia, and chips.
The final day focused on entrepreneurship and business development. Resource speakers from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)โPampanga discussed potential income-generating opportunities from farm produce and value-added products. Emil Paulo Galang, Acting Division Chief of the Business Development Division, tackled entrepreneurial mindset development as well as product packaging and labeling. Melanie D. Quito, Trade-Industry Development Specialist, discussed food safety and hygiene, while Aldrei C. Pinlac, Trade-Industry Development Analyst, presented effective marketing strategies. Ma. Chrishia C. Bacani, Trade-Industry Development Analyst guided participants on product costing and pricing. Participants were likewise assisted in evaluating and improving their products to enhance marketability and profitability.
The closing program was graced by Hon. Mayor Philip Naguit, who expressed his support for the participants and the initiative. ATI-CL OIC, Center Director Dr. Emmanuel L. Orogo also conveyed his message of support and gratitude, commending the participants for their enthusiasm and commitment throughout the training.
โHindi lang po kami nabusog sa pagkain kundi sa kaalaman na magagamit namin. Malaking tulong po ito para sa amin dahil magagamit namin ito sa pang-araw-araw at alam ko na magagamit namin ito para sa kinabukasan. Hindi hadlang ang aming kapansanan para umunlad sa buhay,โ shared Charmaine Galamga, Vice President of the Minalin PWD Federation, during the closing program.
The activity concluded with the preparation of re-entry plans, wherein participants committed to establishing household gardens, developing value-added products, and exploring income-generating opportunities. Through these initiatives, ATI-CL and its partners hope to further strengthen food security, self-sufficiency, and economic empowerment among PWD families in Minalin.
Written by: Krizelle D. Galang
