South Cotabato, Philippines | September 24, 2025 – Barangay Nutrition Scholar Susan D. Tangkala is leading by example in Barangay Lamhaku, Tboli, South Cotabato, through her thriving backyard garden. A mother and wife, she takes pride in her role as a BNS, firmly believing that good nutrition starts at home.
As part of the 2025 Gulayan sa Ugsaran Contest, the search includes three categories–the best BNS backyard garden, community garden,and supplemental feeding beneficiary’s vegetable garden.
Angela Frugalidad, Community Affairs Officer IV, said the LGU selects one entry for the provincial-wide contest.
“Backyard gardens managed by Barangay Nutrition Scholars play a vital role in promoting food security and proper nutrition. When a BNS leads by example, it inspires households to follow suit and demonstrates that healthy living can start within their own homes,” Frugalidad said.
Tangkala shared the fruits of their labor—simple, homegrown vegetables like okra, sweet potato tops, string beans, and squash.
“This is a proof that simple gardening can help nourish families,” Tangkala said in hiligaynon.
These vegetables are what grow easily in the mountains, Susan shared.
“We cook whatever is available. What matters is that it’s healthy and homegrown,” she said.
Rudy Jimenea, Provincial Nutrition Action Officer, sees backyard gardening as a practical and powerful solution to malnutrition and rising food costs.
“When money is tight, especially for parents, having a strategy like vegetable backyard garden. can feed a family and help children get the nutrition they need,” she said.
Even families without land, she says, can still plant in sacks, broken buckets, or any empty space.
“You don’t need much—just creativity and the will to grow your own food,” Jimenea stressed.
Winners for this competition will be the representative of South Cotabato in the regional search for “Gulayan sa Ugsaran.”
