Ifugao State University (IFSU) partnered with the Office of the Congressman of Ifugao, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and civil society organizations (CSO) to improve the Women's Garden at the IFSU Eco Park, Mabatobato, Lamut, Ifugao from April 11 to 21, 2024.

The project benefited IFSU, Mabatobato Sunflower Women's Organization, and Mabatobato Rural Improvement Club through the government's Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program. A total of 22 women and men were employed for ten days to work on the said garden project.

IFSU's Gender and Development Research and Resource Center (GADRRC) and Special Projects office, under the leadership of Dr. Joyce Bodah and Dr. Manuel Malingan III respectively, oversaw a successful TUPAD program that beautified the University. TUPAD workers prepped for the rainy season by planting cut flowers, revitalized the existing garden through cleaning and cultivating existing plants, and expanded the floral landscape by planting donations from CSO members. Additionally, they cleared overgrown areas and established new flower gardens.

The workers expressed their gratitude for the opportunity during a closing program on their last day. IFSU hopes to continue collaborating with its partners on future projects.

//DDT

Report and Photos: IFSU GADRRC