Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 27) — Agriculture Secretary William Dar said on Wednesday that actor-singer James Reid was chosen as the Food Security Ambassador due to his advocacy to engage Filipinos to get into agriculture.
In an interview through CNN Philippines’ Newsroom Ngayon, Dar said that Reid has a group called “Freshest.” The group aims to encourage Filipinos, most especially the younger generation to get into farming, more specifically urban farming.
“Mayroon silang grupo na nagne-negosyo sa fresh vegetables and fruits… Yung pangalan ng business nila ay Freshest… at gusto nilang tumulong na hikayatin ang ating mamayan, mas lalo na yung mga kabataan na mag-engage sa agrikultura mas lalo na itong urban agriculture,” Dar said.
[Translation: They have a group that is involved in fresh fruits and vegetables business called Freshest… and they want to help encourage citizens, most especially the youth to get into agriculture most especially in urban agriculture.]
Aside from this, Dar said that the actor’s primary goal after becoming the country’s ambassador is just to help Filipino farmers, fisherfolk and everyone else who depend on the sector.
“Gusto lang nya makatulong (He just wants to help). He wants to be the voice for those who would like to engage in farming and Agri-business and the voice for the farmers and the fisherfolk,” Dar said.
On Tuesday, the Department of Agriculture said that it has designated Reid as the Ambassador on Food Security. This is amid challenges that the country’s farmers and fisherfolk face due to the community quarantine imposed in areas across the country. The department has rolled out programs to support the sector amid the pandemic like loans, and direct marketing assistance.
The announcement was made during the launching of DA’s Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Month. The DA has yet to announce the projects lined up for the Filipino-Australian celebrity.
