The lands were planted to short-term crops (corn, cassava, camote , and pineapple) that can be harvested in four to six months and long-term crops (fruit and lumber trees) that can bear fruit or be harvested after eight to 10 years.

From the sale of the short-term crops, 20 percent went to the barangay unit, to be revolved as capital. The rest was divided among the volunteers. In four year's time, each of Oroquieta's 47 barangays generated an average of P27,000 as additional income from the sale of short-term crops, 20 percent went to the barangay unit, to be revolved as capital. The rest divided among the volunteers. In four year's time,e ach of Oroquieta's 47 barangays generated an average of P27,000 as additional income from the sale of short-term crops. Encouragedd by their success, some barangays have started to expand their planting area by buying more land from their own resources or renting from private landowners, who get a 10 percent share.

With an expanded area and better cultivation of short-term crops, more revenue for the barangays is expected in the coming years. But the long-term prospect may be brighter. Up to end of May 1997, a total of 6,500 fruit and lumberable trees have been planted under the program. Based on the current prices of lumber, Oroquieta expects gross sales of not less than P3 billion eight years from now.

The individual BSSP participant, the effect of the program was quite palpable and immediate. Beneficiaries stressed that short-term crops have enabled them to make both ends meet financially. Others earn more by raising pigs and chicken under the same program. Another result: The city has become a forest-garden of a variety of trees, creating a cool, invigorating climate. For these, plus the rehabilitation of its mangroves and the restoration of its marine ecosystem, Oroquieta has been a hall of famer in the Department of Interior and Local Government's annual Clean and Green contest.

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