A project of enhancing an agricultural cooperative for persons with disabilities has been successfully carried out within the framework of Czech Republic Development Cooperation. With its partner organization, Bigay Buhay Multipurpose Cooperative, the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Manila has implemented the project in Caloocan City, brgy. Malaria, an area impacted by poverty and hardship.

The goal of the project was building of a community farm that provides employment, income and food for disadvantaged persons with disabilities, including children and the elderly in an outskirts disctrict of Caloocan City. The project had three major components of agricultural production, namely vegetable gardening composed of mushroom, lettuce growing and other fast-growing crops and production of organic fertilizers using the kitchen and community waste and rabbit manure. Chicken and rabbit raising and fish breeding capacities have been enhanced in the project, too. A part of the production is consumed by the community, a part is for sale, providing vital income to the community. The project was implemented on an abandoned lot that has been continuously used by the Cooperative since 2003. A vulnerable group of people, thus, acquired an additional source of livelihood, and living conditions have improved.

Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Dalibor Mička, carried out a monitoring mission and visited the project location. Meeting with the members of the community present, some of them confined to wheelchairs or simple crutches, was moving and their gratitude was tangible. The people prepared various meals for the guest, using self-grown ingredients stemming from the Czech development cooperation, which once again proved its purpose. The long-term positive impact of the Czech project on a marginalized group of people, who mostly depend only on themselves, will be beneficial for both multi-generation families and individuals who have been met with less favourable fate. A helping hand, offered by the Czech Republic through its Embassy in Manila, has, thus, contributed to providing a better livelihood and a long-term sustainable employment.