The City Government of Taguig has become the first local government unit (LGU) to formally partner with the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the implementation of the “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” project.

On October 8, 2019, Taguig City Mayor Lino Cayetano and DA Undersecretary for Consumer Affairs Ernesto Gonzales signed the Memorandum of Understanding for the project collaboration.

The Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita project aims at increasing the income of small farmers and fisherfolk through direct and increased market linkages. It seeks to empower the farmers and the community through their involvement in a direct and effective farm-to-consumer food supply chain.

“Who would think that an urban area like Taguig would cater to this project?” DA Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness and Marketing Kristine Evangelista posed as she announced that the City is  would be the pilot area for agribusiness projects.

According to Evangelista, the DA will lead the conduct of trainings set to improve agriculture in the city, and to develop programs for young agripreneurs, among others.

“Asahan ninyo, aayusin natin ang kabuhayan ninyo,” Undersecretary Gonzales said. He added, “Kailangan yayaman si Ani at Kita.”

To this, Mayor Cayetano expressed his deep gratitude to the Department for partnering with city government.

“Salamat sa napakasipag na pag-engage ng Department of Agriculture dito amin,” Mayor Cayetano said.

He added that the city wants to turn its “Probinsyudad” or rural-urban slogan into action by improving its agriculture sector and cooperating with the DA.

Cayetano acknowledged that the partnership will serve as a foundation to ensure food security in the city, increase the income of its farmers and fisherfolk, and provide fresh and affordable agri-fishery products to the consumers.

Taguig Farmers’ Association Chairman Reynaldo Cruz shared his excitement on the initiative of the LGU and the DA. With the direct-selling arrangement, Cruz said that he and the association with more than 900 farmers and fisherfolk members would focus on production.

“Lalo pa naming pag-iigihin,” he said.

In line with the DA’s vision of a food-secure country with prosperous farmers and fisherfolk, the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita project was launched on September 13, 2019 at the Food and Development Center in Taguig City. ### (Gumamela Celes Bejarin, DA-AFID)