On March 7, 2024, the Department of Agriculture (DA) established a partnership with the local government unit of Limay and the Bataan Peninsula State University and Limay Polytechnic College to extend the zero-kilometer food project, or ‘0KM,’ to the residents of this coastal town of Bataan.
The ‘0KM’ project is a research initiative designed to develop an efficient data collection system on the supply and demand for food at the local government level.
Aligned with DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel’s vision for increased food productivity, the system aids policymakers in promoting sustainable local food production to meet consumption patterns and community needs.
“By promoting agriculture at the barangay level, we create efficient systems that ensure food reaches consumers without delay, nutrient loss, cost overruns, price manipulation, or unnecessary intermediaries. This, in turn, lays the groundwork for data-driven interventions aimed at meeting local needs and exploring export opportunities,” Secretary Tiu Laurel emphasized in his speech during the signing ceremony for the memorandum of agreement.
Dr. Gerald Glenn Panganiban, director of the DA High Value Crops Development Program, underscored the concept of zero-kilometer, which refers to the usage of local foods that have not traveled far after production, a principle also practiced in Italy.
“This 0KM concept underscores the principle that food should ideally traverse zero kilometers from its origin to consumption. Simply put, 0KM will evaluate the supply and demand dynamics of essential high-value crops in Limay and ensure local production meets local consumption,” said Panganiban.
Dr. Elmer De Leon, President of Limay Polytechnic College, and Dr. Ruby Matibag, President of Bataan Peninsula State University, expressed their mutual support and commitment to the project that will benefit the people of Limay.
Both academic institutions will work together with the DA and Limay LGU to collect, verify, process, and secure relevant data, including agricultural production, food consumption, and Community-Based Monitoring System entries from the town.
The zero-kilometer food project was piloted in the towns of Hermosa and Dinalupihan in Bataan in June 2023.
The project facilitated greater access for consumers to fresh, locally-produced agricultural goods at reasonable prices, while helping farmers raise their income by reducing transportation distances for their produce, thus mitigating unnecessary production and marketing expenses. ### (Ira Y. Cruz, DA-AFID)
