Neighbors may pick some fresh vegetables from someone’s vegetable garden at no cost at all, provided those are solely for the family’s consumption.

This is the essence of the cooperative effort or “bayanihan” in the “Kasama sa Ani sa Barangay” or “Kaanib” or ka-partner which was started by Gov. Joet Garcia who was then the Balanga City mayor in 2007.

Under the “Kaanib” system, a Balanga resident may utilize a vacant lot to plant vegetables but with the consent of landowner.

Owing to the success of Kaanib program, the City Government of Balanga has allotted a 1.7 hectare-land in Bataan Homes in Barangay San Jose where a plot is available for anyone who wish to plant vegetables.

This is on top of two Kaanib sites in Barangays Cataning and Central established earlier.

Water and other provisions are provided by the City Government. Balanga City is a recipient of a prestigious award for best “Gulayan sa Barangay.”

The program was further improved by City Mayor Francis S. Garcia by introducing more innovations and providing assistance to agricultural extension workers who train Kaanib members.

Nerissa Mateo, the city’s agriculture chief, said some successful planters are already selling their produce in the local market.

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