CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY

Autonomous Status granted by CHED – Sept. 16, 2024 – Sept. 15, 2027
ISO 9001:2015 Cert No.: CIP/5365/18/06/1061 – July 12, 2022 – July 8, 2025

By Cyrus A. Natividad


Moringa plant.

The quarantine period has pushed some people to the brink of poverty and food deprivation, especially, of nutritious foods.

Families and communities, fortunately, receive the “pantawid gutom” – food packs from government, civic organizations, and individuals. The unique thing is that some groups and LGU’s are distributing food assistance to people, and it comes with a conscious concerns for the health of their constituents. Some are blessed to receive vegetables from local farmer groups instead of noodles and canned goods in a pack.

Previously, what we thought was not yet possible, is now a practical-viable concept. In November 2019, the 9th Regional Agrifair held at Central Philippine University – focused on Backyard Gardening – as an alternative for sustainability.

It is necessary to get involved now and in the future. In this case, we’re inspired to try backyard gardening with just a small unspecified size.

In fact, some city dwellers have planted vegetables using pots, empty cans, and soil in empty spaces in their homes.

It is not just an idea, whose time has come, to plant vegetables without a farm, but also to rediscover the essential crops and herbs that can replace costly and sometimes not available prescription medicines from the drugstore.

In relation to the CPU Agrifair, we can
readily cite Dr. Manny Palada (Outstanding International Horticulturist), Member of the CPU Board of Trustees, who had been promoting Moringa (Malunggay) worldwide, giving seminars and workshops on the essentials and production technology for Moringa production. In his book “The Miracle Tree”, Palada emphasized that the leaves of Malunggay essentially can boost the immune system in fighting, when the body is attacked by deadly viruses.

This writer would like to share an experience with his rediscovery of Moringa leaves and its efficacy in health and nutrition. Boiling the leaves (2 to 3 medium-size ‘paklang’) of Moringa can substitute a cup of instant coffee. Tastewise, “I got used to drinking 3 to 5 times a day of the Moringa brew, instead of instant coffee, and feel healthy without any side effects.”

The Enhanced Community Quarantine is a time for us to plant vegetables in our backyard to augment our food sustenance.