The Department of Agriculture Cordillera is one with the nation in rekindling the Filipino values of sharing and Bayanihan through the “KADIWA community pantry” launched on April 28 at the BPI compound, Guisad, Baguio City.
A total of 3 tons of assorted highland vegetables were donated by Enhance KADIWA recipient Farmers and Farmer Associations in CAR that benefitted 545 individuals who are in need during this pandemic.
The Buguias-Japan Agricultural Trainees Association (BJATA) provided 233 kilograms (kgs) of cabbage, potato, and tomatoes. The Manpat-a Farmers’ Association also donated 400 kgs of assorted vegetables including Chinese Cabbage, Bell Pepper, Chayote, and Spinach while Hi-Land Multipurpose Cooperative (MPC) gave 1,690 kgs of Raddish, Zucchini, Bell Pepper, French Beans, and Carrots.
Banaue Farmers also participated in the community pantry by sharing 50 kgs of tomatoes. The Cadcadaan MPC also offered 175 kgs of highland vegetables together with the Seeds and Fruits MPC contributing 120 kgs. Palayen Farms and DA-CAR’s research Division also shelled out.
According to Agot Balanoy, League of Associations at the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Areas Public Relations Officer, “the coronavirus pandemic has aggravated the Philippines socio-economic situation. With this simple act of kindness, we are contributing to ensure that food is sufficient. Since the vegetable industry is unhampered, we are sharing our blessings to our fellow Filipinos who are struggling.”
It can be recalled that the outbreak of COVID-19 resulted to subsequent lockdowns and community quarantines which led to unprecedented and simultaneous blows to the country’s economy.
Roy Dilan, the COVID-19 displaced construction worker in Imelda Village, expressed that COVID challenged his family financially. “This situation made me work harder and be braver. Thank you for making me feel that I am not alone in this fight. Thank you for reminding me that Filipino’s are always there to help their fellow Filipinos,” he decried.
The KADIWA community pantry is an innovation of DA-CAR to rekindle a sense of community, modern bayanihan, and social responsibility in a bid towards food security. The community pantry will be a continuous activity of DA-CAR every Wednesday. (DA-Cordillera)
