Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 31) – Amid the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine, the government launched a program encouraging public participation to ensure sustained food production and availability in metropolitan areas.
The Department of Agriculture announced it will distribute free vegetable seeds to Metro Manila households to encourage home-based gardening while Filipinos are required to remain at home.
Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the program will provide metropolitan households the opportunity to produce fresh and healthy food in their backyard.
“We need to explore all strategies to ensure that food productivity, availability and sufficiency is attained, particularly in this challenging time,” Dar added.
The Agriculture chief has been advocating the importance of urban agriculture, even before the coronavirus outbreak.
The agency, through the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), distributed assorted vegetable seeds, among them eggplant, tomato, and onions, and planting materials to some interested households in Metro Manila.
BPI assistant director Glenn Panganiban said they hope to sustain the initiative beyond the coronavirus pandemic.
“We are establishing community gardens in barangays with vacant areas so they can plant, propagate, and produce their vegetable requirements,” he added.
Those interested in availing the free vegetable seeds and planting materials may reach the DA-BPI through these contact numbers: (02) 8525-7313 or 8524-0837 or through email: bpi.crpsd.planning@gmail.com.
