DA-7 distributes seedlings to boost agri productivity

CEBU, Philippines —  The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Central Visayas has distributed free seedlings of fruit trees to local government units (LGUs) in a bid to increase their agricultural productivity and food production amid the health crisis.

Among the beneficiaries of DA’s Plant, Plant, Plant Program are the municipalities of Balilihan and Catigbian in Bohol province.

The distributed seedlings include guyabano and jackfruit.

DA-7, in a statement, said Bohol towns were the pilot areas for the said program due to the presence of DA’s major crop research stations there.

“Our research stations particularly in Bohol province have been instructed to intensify its seedlings production in compliance with Secretary William Dar’s plant, plant, plant program,” DA-7 Regional Director Salvador Diputado said.

Diputado said Dar directed all DA stations to bolster vegetable and fruit productions in all the regions as the country battles the COVID-19 pandemic.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año also issued Memorandum Circular 2020-080, directing all LGUs to participate in the DA’s plant, plant, plant program.

“With this directive of DILG, we can assure that our programs will reach the grassroots with the support of the local chief executives. We are grateful with the DILG for this support mechanism,” Diputado said.

Aside from fruit-tree seedlings and vegetable seeds, distribution of rice seeds and fertilizers is ongoing in the four provinces (Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor and Negros Oriental) of the region.  KQD (FREEMAN)