When PRESIDENT RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE signed Executive Order Number 5, on October 11, 2016, that highlights Ambisyon Natin 2040 development goals aimed to create a predominantly middle- class society where no one is poor in 24 years, a sense of determination and purpose gripped PSG Group Commander BGEN ROLANDO JOSELITO D BAUTISTA AFP to initiate the development of a Hardin ng Lunas at the PSG.
The Hardin ng Lunas initiative will help the personnel of the Command to learn how to make green leafy vegetables as part and parcel of their daily diet, gain knowledge on the nutritional value of assorted vegetables and root crops, develop the necessary gardening skills as a means of livelihood and to maintain a semi-organic vegetable garden due to the prevailing soil conditions and prevalent pests/insects present in the vicinity, and develop a healthy lifestyle.
In a Philippine Star article published on October 24, 2016, “Return of FM’s Masagana 99, Biyayang Dagat eyed” by Giovanni Nilles, PRESIDENT DUTERTE said in his speech in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan: The “government is working towards ensuring food security among Filipinos, pointing out that agriculture is second in terms of budgeting.” The President “also urged those in Northern Luzon to revive their cooperatives, especially those engaged in farming and micro-financing as he would pour funds into these groups.”
Heeding the call of the President, BGEN BAUTISTA led the command into action to help in our little way to lessen the incidence of hunger in our vicinity’s depressed areas. Hence, the PSG Hardin ng Lunas was initiated where once idle area in our camp land that is not prone to flooding was identified, cultivated and nurtured by willing hands to bear fruit.
This project will not be realized without the expertise and guidance of Dr. Isa Cojuangco Suntay of Tarlac Heritage Foundation and Mr. Tony Cortes of Corvill Agricom, Inc., former AFP IPSP partners, who gave their unconditional support to this Command’s endeavor.
Good deeds cost nothing. PSG’s Hardin ng Lunas harvest will be shared with the needy from Hospicio de San Jose, unprivileged families living within the barangay surrounding Malacañang Park, Madrigal Compound, and PSG’s dependents.
Through this activity, members of the PSG must learn from our Commander in Chief to develop a sense of compassion and urgency in serving our less fortunate, brothers and sisters. Change doesn’t come easy; it requires hard work, patience, perseverance and commitment. Members of the PSG possess all these traits. At the PSG, we PROTECT, SERVE and GIVE!