The Department of Agriculture through the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Inspectorate and Enforcement, and the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Services (AMAS) has continued to pursue market linkage program that has benefitted producers and consumers alike.
On March 28, 2023, under a partnership with the Philippine Army, fresh produce were delivered to the Diocese of Novaliches.
The direct market linkage program has assisted the Bagong Pag-asa Farmers Association and Pesa Onion-Vegetable Association, which sold nearly 30 kilograms of squash, 79 kilograms of onions, 920 kilograms of tomatoes, and 14,750 kilograms of rice in three (3) varieties to institutional buyers from the Diocese.
The farmers’group were assisted in their hauling and delivery to the drop-off location at Barangay Pasong Tamo, Quezon City, by two (2) KM250 and three (3) 5-tonner military trucks from the 7th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, as well as 22 army men.
“Direct Farm to Market Linkage Initiative primarily aims to combat price manipulation and market abuses to protect the livelihood and well-being of our farmers and fisherfolk.” ASec James Layug said.
The ongoing initiative and cooperation strengthen the department’s mandate to combat price manipulation and ensure food security. ### (photos by Joseph Henry Elamparo, DA-AFID and DA-IE)
