MANILA: The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Manny Piñol is looking into capacitating parts of four Luzon regions as key production areas to ensure food sustainability in Metro Manila.
Piñol has identified Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon or Region 4-A), Central Luzon (Region 3), Mimaropa (Mindoro provinces, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan or Region 4-B) and Bicol (Region 5) for the purpose, reported Manila Bulletin.
Recently, Piñol visited Oriental Mindoro and had interaction with farmers, fishers, and other agri-stakeholders including the Mangyans of Barangay Matulatula, in the town of Pola.
“We are here with you because we want to explore the potentials of your province as a significant source of food, because of your proximity to the hungry mouth of the country that is Metro Manila,” Piñol reportedly told fisherfolk and farmers.
“With your vast resources, you clearly play an important part in the mission of President Duterte to provide available and affordable food for every Filipino,” he was quoted as saying.
In the presence of Oriental Mindoro Governor Alfonso V. Umali Jr. and other local government officials, Piñol reportedly announced that he has approved 11 road and 11 water support projects and construction of a training center for indigenous Mangyan tribes in Pola town.
He also led the distribution of 25 fiber-glass bancas complete with engine and fishing gears which were released through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-MIMAROPA headed by acting Regional Director Atty. Benjamin F.S. Tabios Jr, said the news portal.
“I want this done immediately, kaya bago matapos ang taon, may tubig na kayo (before the end of the year, you will have water already),” he said.
“We can easily bridge the 1.18 million metric tons rice deficiency if all farms will increase one metric ton per cropping season,” he added.
