BY ARNELYN L. LAPATIS & MEKYLA JANE TICAR | CMU INTERNS
THE DAVAO City Agriculturist Office (CAgrO) said that several food production and nutrition-sensitive programs are already being implemented to ensure food security in the region, aligning with Councilor Ralph Abellera’s proposal on the Food Security Code.
During the iSpeak forum at City Hall on Thursday, July 10, James Arly A. Danac, Institutional Development Services Division head, said initial discussions with Abellera’s committee are underway.
“Nag initial discussion na siya. Supposed to be, naa gani nay mahitabo nga meeting pero wa pa man mi ka proceed ug meeting. Basin next week, part na sa among hisgutan,” he said.
Danac added that they implemented programs addressing the pillars of food security in the city.
“We have programs under the Sustainable Agricultural Fishery Development Program,” the city official said. “We distributed vegetable seeds, ready-to-plant seedlings, tilapia, and hito fingerlings.”
As of now, CAgrO has distributed 2,759 packs and 2,451 ready-to-plant vegetable seedlings, 220,750 tilapia fingerlings (hatchery & procured) and 25,00 hito fingerlings (procured), and 55,644 plantlets and 51,504 assorted seedlings to boost food production in both urban and rural areas.
Danac also said that CAgrO manages urban gardens such as the Marfori Organic Garden, SRD Hydroponic Garden, and Eden Garden.
“Kani siyang tulo, dili lang ni siya mag act as supplier of food production, mahimo pud siyang learning site sa barangay level and also to promote gulayan sa barangay,” he said.
CAgrO is partnering with a national government organization and has an ongoing project with SEEDS Philippines.
“Naa mi gi-assist nga Community Food Farm Project to ensure food availability in the community and the city as a whole,” he said.
To note, CAgrO encourages every household to have their own gardens, ensuring food sources are readily available closer to urban communities.
“Let us work together in partnership and in collaboration with our neighbors for our food security in the city,” he stressed.
