Herbs and roses at the launch of the NJ Farmacy & Peace Garden
By Marivir Montebon
Cliffside Park - Guests were quick to remark that the garden party on July 25, 2026 at the sprawling backyard of leaders Maria De Lourdes and Priscilla M. Garces was unique while simply being heartwarming.
It was the launch of the NJ Farmacy & Peace Garden in the quiet neighborhood in Union Township which was a collaboration of the global organization Women's Federation for World Peace International, UN Office and the nonprofits Always Forward and the Ecuadorian Foundation for Social Services.
Always Forward founder Priscilla Garces receives a painting by artist Lorena Ramos during the launch of the NJ Farmacy & Peace Garden, a project collaboration of her group, the Women’s Federation for World Peace International, and the FESS.
More than 40 participants showed up, mostly in floral summer dresses and wide brim hats, bringing potted herbs and roses to be included in the garden. There was mood music in the garden by pianist Hyowon Barlaan.
Assemblymember Ed Rodriguez of Legislative District 20 and Environment Commissioner for Franklin Township Maria Del Carmen Santiago shared inspirational speeches rife with support and action.
WFWPI UN Relations director Merly Barlaan (left) with Assemblymember Ed Rodriguez, Maria Garces, Dr. Dely Go, and Mr. Harry Go.
Now, the Garden State has an additional biodiversity garden in Union Township, created by a diverse community of friends and family. It is WFWPI's community project aligned with #ClimateAction.
The international and intergenerational event took inspiration from the theme on healing the Earth and healing ourselves to achieve happiness and higher consciousness.
WFWPI VP and UN Relations Offices director Merly Barrete Barlaan encouraged local legislators to support community initiatives to create impact and sustainability in the community. The NJ launch was the second leg of the organization's Environmental Action program, following the Permaculture Education program in the Philippines.
Farmacy is a new term to mean farmed herbs that heal naturally, a brainchild of Barlaan. “This is not rocket science. Healing starts at home and when we go back to nature for food and medicine,” she said.
WFWPI recognized three new Ambassadors for Peace during the event, Dr. Vanette Colmenares who's working on her biodiverse, regenerative farms in Cebu, Carmen Skipworth, AI and digital technology educator, and Yamcy Deloso Fleming, WFWPI intern who helped organize and coordinate the 1st Permaculture Education Summit in the Philippines.
Community-buy-in for the farmacy & peace garden, a key to sustainability.
RN Menchu R. De Luna Sanchez, a WFWPI Peace Ambassador, remarked that the event was different and remarkable. Dr. Dely Go, a nurse educator-businesswoman, said "we enjoyed the event so much." Go was acknowledged at the event for her support to WFWPI's Environmental Action program in the Philippines.
Artist Lorena Ramos with mom Selina Soto who will take care of the garden as director for FESS Medicinal Plants and Natural Wellness.
The garden party featured the works of art of artist Lorena Ramos which highlighted herbs and flowers. Lorena's mom, Selina Soto, will tend to the WFWPI-FESS-Always Forward community garden, a feat which she anticipates to be able to share her traditional wisdom on healing and culinary herbs. #
