Davao de Oro: With the serious threat brought by COVID 19, boosting our immune system while the communities are at home quarantine remains a challenge. Due to the strict implementation of the Regional Lockdown and Enhanced Community Quarantine brought by the dangers imposed by Corona Virus Disease 2019 (Covid-19), access to fresh and healthy goods may now be limited and may compromise opportunities of getting a well-balanced diet.
Through the initiative of the Provincial Agriculturist’s Office (PAGRO) of Davao de Oro in partnership with the Department of Agriculture XI- High Value Crops Development Program, an 8 in 1 Vegetable (Pinakbet) seeds and Bio Fertilizers were given to homes who are willing to cultivate vegetables in their backyards. For more access to everyone, PAGRO coordinates with every Municipal Agriculturist as well as officials in the barangay level following guidelines of the Community Quarantine for a much safer and equitable distribution of the seeds.
A total of 954 clients coming from Pantukan, Maragusan, Montevista, Laak, Maco, Mabini, Nabunturan, Women’s Sector, walk-in and social media clients were already accommodated. The catered figure since the first distribution up to the present are expected to grow in the coming days. The limited access to fresh goods especially vegetables directly equates to the consumption of highly processed foods, which tend to be high in fats, sugar and salt and are not essentially good for the body.
“Pinaagi sa akong gulayan, dili lang nako masiguro nga healthy ang ginakaon sa akong pamilya apan nahimo napod nako ni nga stress reliever. Malipay pod ko makahatag ug gulay sa akong mga silingan sabay pag-awhag kanila sa pag pananom niini.” said Anna Rose Gauiran Lomigo, the Federation President of Davao de Oro Women Farmer’s Association.
Davao de Oro ensures the welfare of its constituents in a bird’s eye perspective encouraging them to cultivate vegetables and hit two birds; relieving stress and providing a healthy meal to upgrade the body’s defense system. (JasteenAbella, ID DAVAO DE ORO)