In support of the “KADIWA on Wheels” of the Department of Agriculture (DA), which will start running in CALABARZON in a few weeks’ time, local government units (LGUs) in the region have already formed their own strategies to bring fresh farm produce to consumers and give farmers opportunities to market their products in these challenging times.
The city government of Sta. Rosa, Laguna started their “Rolling Palengke” to lessen the public’s urge to go to market. There are also “Pila Mobile Store” and “Cavinti Mobile Palengke,” both circulating around the barangays of the towns. Likewise, “KADIWA on Wheels” of San Luis, Batangas was done with its first run in barangays of Calumpang East and Banoyo.
Meanwhile, the agricultural office in Tanauan City is encouraging locals to plant in their yards, like the parents of Tanauan South Central School and barangay nutrition scholars did, who participated in the farmers’ field school on organic urban gardening.
Urban agriculture/farming is also being promoted by the DA to ensure adequate food supply in every Filipino household amid the threats of the coronavirus disease.
In response to this directive, DA CALABARZON distributes seeds throughout the region to enable all to grow their own vegetables and crops. It is intended that home-grown, nutritious vegetables on the tables would last, even beyond the enhanced community quarantine period in Luzon.
Moreover, other agricultural activities remain productive during this time. The Samahan sa Industriya ng Cacao na Pangkabuhayan (SICAP) Lucban Chapter of Brgy. Binitbitan continues their farming activities on cacao. According to them, the pandemic will not hinder them to enrich the cacao industry in their province. In Buenavista, Quezon, the harvesting of rice is constantly in a movement to supplement the need of the province. The LGU-Sta. Rosa City assures the supply of affordable and safe meat in the market in their daily production. They also help their farmers transport and market their produce, the same with what LGU-Sta. Maria does. Whereas, LGU-Cabuyao City buys the produce of its farmers to be included in its relief efforts.
DA CALABARZON aspires to encourage other LGUs and farmers’ organizations to do the same work for the continued development of the region’s agricultural sector. ● (JAAJ & ARC, DA-RAFIS)
[Photos Courtesy of City Government of Santa Rosa, Laguna, Discover Laguna PH, Cavinti FITS Center, MA Rinkoh Hernandez, Office of the City Agriculturist – Tanauan, PA Roberto Gajo, Coun. Lorna Alban, & Cabuyao Agriculture Office]
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