Giving a hand starts with little initiative. These small initiatives will never be forgotten by people in need. That’s where Dr. Rina (Doc Rina) de Luna’s effort to help community made a huge impact. From volunteering to “Oplan Kawingan” of UPLB, to leading the “Hardin Kawingan (HK)”, Doc. Rina is truly remarkable for taking action, despite challenges of pandemic. Her efforts in HK led to establishment of a successful community garden, called “Hardin ni Nanay”, managed by mothers from Brgy. Banay-banay, Cabuyao, Laguna. Her drive to immerse with the community and empower women were recognized by Ontario Council for International Cooperation (OCIC) where she was invited to be a speaker at their international dialogue “Voices from the Grassroots” last February 11, 2021.

“I am inspired to work with women and create opportunities wherein women take the lead with the right networks. We hope to provide women with experiences and resources to learn what they need to become effective leaders,” – Dr. Rina de Luna (on Voices from the Grassroots, February 2021).

Read more about Doc. Rina and Hardin ni Nanay:

• https://lbtimes.ph/2021/03/23/hardin-ni-nanay-ang-tagumpay-ng-kababaihan-sa-organikong-pagsasaka/?fbclid=IwAR0hnNcleUgvuMfAMZSzSRs3D689u1AzQy0HtN1wCcgXRoIYOL_n6Y1h4s4
• https://readymag.com/OCIC/2553139/philippines_2/?fbclid=IwAR3-YLh6lJ7MI1bCsXZAHO5VONEislVxFD3j_gtaOrlGSlhfWXdWaSe3J0w
• https://horizon.uplb.edu.ph/uplb-features/uplb-tv-program-becomes-a-catalyst-for-change/
• https://upoucwts.wordpress.com/2021/05/09/volunteering-for-hardin-kawingan/
• https://uplb.edu.ph/all-news/uplb-advocate-speaks-at-international-dialogue/
• https://thepost.net.ph/news/campus/uplb-prof-tackles-women-empowerment-in-intl-dialogue/