This Love Month, the Department of Agriculture (DA) once again shows its concern and commitment to the farming and fishing communities by launching the “Malasakit Help Desk” at the DA Central Office in Quezon City.

On February 14, DA top officials led by Agriculture Secretary Manny F. Piñol will launch the Malasakit Help Desk at the DA Central Office. DA’s regional field offices will also launch similar center in their respective regions.

The Malasakit Help Desk will serve as an integrated window for selected services of the DA, including its bureaus, attached agencies and corporations. It complements the Public Assistance Center located in all DA offices as required by Republic Act 9485 otherwise known as the “Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007.”

Services initially include access to agri-fishery information and data, including those involving registration and accreditation; agri profiling and validation; access to credit facilities, crop insurance, scholarships, trainings and seminars, and employment. The Bureau of Animal Industry will offer vaccination for dogs and cats especially for the launch. Through the Help Desk, farmers, fisherfolk, and other stakeholders in the agriculture sector can easily avail of the services offered by the Department.

The establishment of the Malasakit Help Desk is in line with the DA’s mandate to promote agricultural development and inclusive growth.

It is also supportive of the commitment of President Rodrigo Duterte to hasten the delivery of assistance to the farming and fishing communities and his aspirations for a “Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Buhay.” ###