Department of Agriculture (DA) Region IV-CALABARZON, led by Regional Director Arnel V. de Mesa, celebrated the World Food Day (WFD) with the theme “Grow, Nourish, Sustain. Together. Our Actions are our Future,” held at Southern Tagalog Integrated Agricultural Research Center Training Hall in Lipa City, Batangas on October 16, 2020.

As one of the leading organizations in the Philippines promoting food security and zero hunger, the Department has participated in this global food celebration, in line with the 75th founding anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Regional Director Arnel V. de Mesa expressed his sincere and utmost appreciation to all the farmers, fisherfolk, and everyone in the agricultural sector. He encouraged everyone to cooperate to achieve a food-secure Philippines. 

“The determination and hard work of our farmers and fisherfolk cannot be shaken by calamities and not even this coronavirus pandemic. Let us help them in the fight against hunger. Together, we will grow, nourish, and sustain,” Director de Mesa said. 

According to Assistant Regional Director (ARD) for Operations Mr. Dennis R. Arpia, we are facing one of the most challenging problems, the COVID-19 pandemic, but today’s celebration brings a ray of hope. He assured that the regional office and its partners and attached agencies will continue to support farmers and fisherfolk so that we can continue to combat hunger.

“Cheers and salute to all farmers and fishers for their resilience. Continue to do your work because we in DA CALABARZON will never stop providing assistance to those in need,” ARD Arpia said.

ARD for Research and Regulations Ms. Vilma M. Dimaculangan reminded everyone that we have a responsibility to protect our environment so that we can produce safe and quality food for all. She also discussed the real value of food in our everyday lives.

“Our farmers and fishers are our unsung heroes. Every time we eat, let us remember their sacrifices and hardships just to put food on our tables. Let us not waste food because without food, we would not function well enough to face daily challenges,” ARD Dimaculangan explained. 

For the second part of the programme, Director de Mesa announced the winners for the DA CALABARZON Poster Making Contest, which was conducted in conjunction with the WFD celebration. Laura Marylou Audrey M. Armintia of Tanza was named first in the competition and will receive P7,000.00; followed by Khim Minjee C. Diel from General Trias, who won the second prize of P5,000.00; and Xyl Cid P. Paran of Cardona, Rizal who will be awarded of P3,300.00 as the third placer.

The WFD Pledge was recited altogether by the participants led by Director de Mesa, ARDs Arpia and Dimaculangan. Together, they sworn allegiance to the goal of achieving zero hunger and a food-secure and resilient Philippines. (MAP, DA-RAFIS)