PROFILE OF THE RESPONDENT: NARRATIVE REPORT

By: Mary Rose T. Toralba (BABA-1B)

Every aspect of life has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including
social ecologies, the economy, health, and education. People have been compelled to
remain inside their homes due to quarantine restrictions, which has resulted in the "new
normal" of life and adaption. One hobby that has become more popular with Filipinos
from the start of the lockdown until the present is gardening. Home gardening quickly
grew widely in both urban and rural locations. The terms "plantito" (used for men) and
"plantita" (used for women) refer to those who appreciate taking care of plants. The goal
of this qualitative study is to investigate and describe how home gardening increased
among Filipinos during the pandemic.

In the Province on Negros Occidental, City of Sagay, A certified plantito was

spotted. Plant-filled house, mostly with vegetables, herbs, spices, and fruit-bearing trees.
An eye-turning scenery from which everyone compliments. He started his passion with
plants way back in 2015. From Vegetables, he started canvassing other herbal plants, and
a lot more plants from which his family can make use of and utilize. Today, his passion
for plants grew even fonder. He is Johnny Toralba, my father. A 56-year-old home-
maker. Since his coming back from his work abroad, he became a full-time plantito and
home-maker. I have personally witnessed how much time and effort he put on to his
plants, and I’ve seen how happy he is taking care and seeing his plants grow healthier
everyday. Even our neighbors can’t resist asking for some of it time by time, for the
obvious reason of it being completely “free” and “organic”. Even though there may be
some of it that he sells and profits from, it can’t be denied that, most of the fulfillment
would resonate from seeing the fruits of your labor be of help and good use, not just to
your family but to others aswell.

Being a plant aficionado has several advantages. You feel like you're outside when
you're with plants. Even in your personal garden, seeing green makes you feel
rejuvenated and at ease. Plants can help your home's indoor air quality. The fact that
plants can improve mental health just by being in the same room is another reason why
he never ceased being a "plantito." Additionally, plants can benefit your physical health
in addition to your mental wellness. Our immune systems can benefit from them,
especially during flu season. So it’s like hitting 2 birds with one stone.

Guide Questions for Interview

1. What is the lived experience of a plantito/plantita?

"Plantitos" and "plantitas" have become more popular as a household fad
amid the coronavirus pandemic as people are buckling down at home owing to the
community's prolonged quarantine. The care of plants helped "Plantitos and
Plantitas" eliminate boredom, and even made some money by selling cuttings from
her enormous collection. People are now very interested in plants. Through
addition to making homes more beautiful, plant parenting is a supportive friend in
adversity.

2. How does it feel to be known as a "plantito/plantita"?

It takes perseverance and endurance to be a plantito/plantita. You must
remain devoted and ready to accommodate their requirements at any time of day.
Therefore, I take pride in being one. Nothing is more satisfying than seeing the
results of your labor. And having this kind of fulfillment at work undoubtedly
provides you a boost for the upcoming work week. But watching your plants grow
gives you a completely other experience. It gives you comfort to see your
succulents and other houseplants flourish since you are showing them that you can
take care of live things. In your role as a full-time plant parent, they provide you a
fresh sense of purpose.

3. How did you sustain the advocacy work?

I benefit from taking care of plants since it's relaxing, it enhances the
quality of the air, and it makes our homes smell nice and look nice. Even more so,
growing our own produce can help us become self-sufficient. I kept up this
advocacy by first conducting research. educating myself on the plants I wish to
care for before making a purchase. I selected the plants that best suited my
lifestyle, taking into account how much time and effort I could commit to caring
for them and the other living beings that they share the area with. Being a plantito
comes with its own special benefits. Your plant-growth baby's success will
undoubtedly feel like a major accomplishment.