Farming, fishing operations to continue despite extended ECQ
FARMING and fishing operations will continue despite the extension of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) up to April 11 in Metro Manila as well as Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite and Laguna.
This was the assurance made by Agriculture William Dar saying that even related activities throughout the food value chain will also not be hampered to ensure the continuous supply of adequate and affordable basic food commodities to residents in the “NCR Plus bubble.”
“We reiterate our appeal to the members of the PNP and respective local government units to allow the unhampered movement of farmers, fishers, food entrepreneurs, and food transport vehicles and personnel — who are also essential workers — so as not to unnecessarily disrupt the flow of food from the farms and fishing grounds to the markets and our dining tables,” Dar said.
Dar disclosed that he has ordered the respective DA regional directors to ensure the continuous delivery of surplus farm and fishery products to the ‘NCR Plus bubble, through the farmers’ cooperatives and associations or FCAs, and through the Kadiwa outlets in partnerships with LGUs in Metro Manila and the private sector.
“In all, amid this global pandemic, we — the One DA family — will continue to provide our farmers, fisherfolk, and other agri-fishery industry stakeholders needed technical and marketing assistance, and implement our programmed initiatives and projects under the Duterte administration’s Plant, Plant, Plant program,” added Dar.
