At 58 years old, Toron Sultan from Poblacion, Matungao, Lanao del Norte, has spent most of her life as a farmer. Her work has been both fulfilling and difficult. Like many in her community, she endured long dry seasons and the hardship of not having enough food. There were times when the crops were too few, and her family couldn’t eat three full meals a day. Life wasn’t just hard—it was about getting through one day at a time.

Things started to change when Toron learned about Project LAWA at BINHI of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). This program focuses on improving families’ access to food and water. Seeing this as a chance to improve her life, Toron eagerly joined, hoping it would help her provide more for her family.

Along with other beneficiaries, she helped build a water impounding system, which later became a tilapia pond. They also planted a communal garden, growing vegetables for their families. Toron worked hard—watering plants, removing weeds, and learning new farming techniques like transplanting and mulching. Even when the soil was dry and hard, she found ways to make it work. Her determination made her stronger as a farmer.

She also joined the Food-for-Work program under the Risk Resiliency Program – Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation. For three days, she helped clean and maintain the garden, harvest tilapia, and plant new seeds. In return, her family received food packs containing rice, canned goods, and coffee—enough to last several days. This assistance gave her peace of mind, knowing her family wouldn’t go hungry. Toron noticed that her children were becoming healthier because they could now eat three times a day.

The experience boosted Toron’s confidence as a mother and provider. She gained more self-confidence because she and her family were allowed to work and improve their situation. Inspired by the change, she started her backyard garden. Now, she grows vegetables, helping to reduce their daily expenses. Toron also teaches her children how to plant, passing on valuable skills for self-sufficiency. “Because of this, I can teach my children how to live through planting.” (Tungod niini, matudloan nako ang akong mga anak unsaon pagkabuhi pinaagi sa pagtanom.)

Toron is determined to keep up the progress she has made. She plans to continue taking care of the vegetables since they contribute to their livelihood. With deep gratitude, she expresses her thanks for the activities that have been carried out in their community, as she is one of the beneficiaries.

Toron’s advice is simple but powerful: Don’t be lazy if you have a family. You need to be hardworking for their future. She hopes that Project LAWA at BINHI will expand, so more families can experience the same transformation and support. Toron’s journey is a testament to the strength of perseverance, and her story reminds us all that with hard work and determination, even the toughest challenges can lead to a brighter future.

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