With the extension of the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and adjoining four provinces of Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna, up to April 11, the Department of Agriculture (DA) assures that farming and fishing operations will continue, including related activities throughout the food value chain, 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 (LGUs) 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,” said Agriculture Secretary William Dar.

“We have instructed our respective DA regional directors to ensure the continuous delivery of surplus farm and fishery products to the ‘NCR plus bubble,’ through our farmers’ cooperatives and associations or FCAs, and through our Kadiwa outlets in partnerships with LGUs in Metro Manila and the private sector,” the DA chief added.

“In all, amid this global pandemic, we — the OneDA 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,” secretary Dar concluded. ### (DA StratComms)