Hello everyone! Today I am excited to share with you the story of our small but strong community, Purok Riverside, in Barangay Kalanawe 2. Though we are just one of the eight purok in our barangay, with only 19 households, we proved that teamwork, and love for our community can make us champions.
This year, our barangay organized a Purok Community Garden Contest as part of the fiesta celebration. Each purok was encouraged t prepared ad beautify its surroundings with vegetables, flowers and other creative displays. It was both exciting and challenging but we were determined to join and show what purok riverside could do.
Two months before the fiesta, we begin our preparations. Together, we planted different kinds of vegetables and colorful flowers to make our garden alive and attractive. This was not just about winning, it was about growing food, creating a healthy environment and working hand in hand as neighbors.
One month before the contest, we focused on making our area look neat and presentable. We arranged stones along the pathways to make them more beautiful and easier to walk on. At the same time, some of us worked on the bulletin board and folders that served as part of our documentation for the contest. Since we also have our farmhouse here, we used it as a working space to prepare and print the needed materials.
Everyone contributed in their own way. Some of our members were busy with cleaning, others helped with painting our fences to make the surroundings look fresh and tidy. It was heartwarming to see how each household gave their time and effort.
When the big day finally came, we were both nervous and excited. To make the occasion more special, we decided to wear plain white t-shirt to show that we were united a one community.
We also prepared a mini market display or we called here talipapa. The vegetables we harvested from our farm or garden were arranged and showcased, not only to impress the judges but also to remind ourselves of the fruit of our hard work. Meanwhile, other members prepared food to welcome visitors and create a festive mood in our purok.
The judges came, observed and appreciated the beauty of our garden, our teamwork, and our unity. We gave our best and more importantly, we did it with joy in our hearts.
That same evening, everyone gathered at the barangay gymnasium for the awarding ceremony. We were overwhelmed with happiness when the winner was announced, and our purok was declared the champion!
It was such a proud moment for all of us. The hard work, the sweat, the time we spent all of it paid off. We celebrated together, not only with the awarding but also with a lively disco afterwards. It was truly a night to remember.
Purok riverside may be small, but our love for our community is big. Every time we pass by our garden, we are reminded not only of our success but also of the bond that made it possible, This is my owned picture, edited in Canva.
Thank you for reading our story. May this inspire other communities to work together, plant more, and make their surroundings bloom with life and joy. ❤️