Metro Pacific Foundation joins DA’s push for urban agriculture

MANILA, Philippines — Metro Pacific Investment Foundation (MPIF) has joined government’s efforts to ensure sustainable food supply in the country.

The Department of Agriculture re­cently inked a memorandum of agree­ment with MPIF, the social arm of the MVP Group, and three other civic orga­nizations for the implementation of DA’s flagship urban agriculture program.

The three groups are Pinas Forward, Project Pearls and AGREA.

DA’s urban agriculture program has been gaining positive feedback from institutions as it continues to help stabi­lize food supply, foster social integration and protect the environment through eco-friendly methods and innovative gardening methods.

It was launched in April as an im­mediate response to the food supply disruption due to the pandemic.

MPIF aims to complement the Pan­gilinan-led Metro Pacific Investments Corp.’s strategy in physical infrastruc­ture and public services by helping alleviate poverty, provide high-quality educational opportunities for children and promote conservation of natural environment.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar said every effort would lead to a higher level of food production, ensuring food security for the country.

“With the lockdown and quarantine, this has become a challenge, especially among residents in the cities. But we also saw this as an opportunity to produce a food production program in Metro Manila,” Dar said.

“The momentum is already there, more households and communities are now planting. We are also maximizing vacant spaces that can be used for food produc­tion and substantially contribute to the country’s food sufficiency level,” he said.

Under the agreement, the DA-Agri­cultural Training Institute will provide initial agriculture inputs, gardening modules, and technical assistance to ensure the maintenance and sustenance of the community gardens.