QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- Members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual/Ally (LGBTQIA+) community in Muntinlupa City have joined a training on urban farming of medicinal and herbal plants in celebration of the National Nutrition Month.

At least 50 LGBTQIA+ members were employed and trained under the first batch of Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

An orientation was held last July 13 at the Muntinlupa City Technical Institute, Barangay Putatan.

Officials attending the program include: Representative Ruffy Biazon, Public Employment Service Office chief Glenda Zamora Aniñon, Gender and Development program director Trina Biazon, Public Information Office Media Affairs exec Tez Valencia Navarro, and LGBT Muntinlupa official Third Boncayao III.

Bureau of Plant Industry exec Ernie Lito Bollosa facilitated the training on plant propagation, urban farming, and herbal plant use last July 14.

TUPAD beneficiaries were also trained on how to start an agribusiness and make a profit out of handling herbal plants.

TUPAD is a community-based package of assistance through the Department of Labor and Employment that provides emergency employment for vulnerable individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic for a minimum period of ten (10) days.

The funding for the program was facilitated through the Office of Congressman Ruffy Biazon.

PESO Muntinlupa continues to facilitate the community-based employment program for other LGBTQIA+ members and will have a second batch of trainees.

For more information, the public may coordinate with PESO Muntinlupa located at G/F Annex Building, Muntinlupa City Hall with Tel. No.: 8861-4133 and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/peso.munti.