Local execs back DA initiative to increase food production

CEBU, Philippines —  A total of 150 hectares of agricultural land in Cebu has been committed to help the Department of Agriculture’s initiative to improve food production in the countryside.

DA-7 regional executive director Salvador Diputado said the commitments were made by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Rep. Pablo John Garcia of the Third District of Cebu Province, and Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella.

Diputado said the governor committed 50 hectares of lot to be utilized as coconut nursery. Her brother, Pablo John, also promised to look for another 50 hectares.

Diputado said Labella also made his commitment to give another 50 hectares as the city government’s support to the initiative.

Diputado said this is in line with the directive of Agriculture Secretary William Dar to increase the food production in the countryside.

Diputado said the commitment he received from local officials was a product of consultative meeting he conducted with the local chief executives and officials from the northern municipalities of Cebu for a one-on-one consultation and one-stop shop at the DA-7 Complex in Mandaue City.

The activity was done to provide local government units the avenue to shop for their respective agricultural interventions.

Diputado added that this is the first time in the agriculture sector's public service that a one-stop shop cluster approach is conducted especially with the local chief executives to maximize efficiency by convergence.

"We are very thankful and delighted that despite the hectic schedules of these LCEs, they are here with their lists of proposed agricultural initiatives for consultation with the DA and other agencies," Diputado said.

The activity, he said, was the initial phase of interaction with the LGUs. Other schedules are set on December 4 in Dumanjug, and December 9 in Balamban for southern municipalities cluster. — FPL (FREEMAN)