DULAG, LEYTE – After its simultaneous grand launching last March, the Department of the Interior and Local Government-Region 8 (DILG-R8) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 8 (DA-RFO) conducted its Regional Launch of the Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas At Gulay | Kadiwa Ay Yaman | Plants for Bountiful Barangays Movement (HAPAG KAY PBMM) at Surf Camp, Barangay Sabang Daguitan, Dulag, Leyte on May 29, 2023.
HAPAG KAY PBBM is part of the Marcos administration’s initiative to address food insufficiency in the country. To help reinforce the government’s food program, the grand launching in Region 8 highlighted the commitment of LGUs towards strengthening food security in Eastern Visayas.
DILG Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs, Felicto A. Valmocina, graced the event to bolster the region’s food initiatives and encourage DILG Region 8, led by Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe, to be united in the country’s agenda towards food security.
“Itong pagtatanim ng gulay at prutas ay kailangang panatilihin – Kailangan isa-isip at isa-puso. Basta’t tayo ay magkakaisa, unti-unti nating ma-sosolusyunan ang mga problema ng ating bansa (We need to sustain the planting of vegetables and fruits. We need to take this seriously. As long as we are united, we can slowly resolve all issues in our country).” USec. Valmocina said.
USec. Valmocina likewise asked local officials and DILG 8 to coordinate in sustaining the community gardens to help provide a fresh, healthy, and accessible food supply to barangays.
He also lauded the efforts of Region 8 in the successful implementation of the HAPAG KAY PBBM program, with more than 3,500 barangays covering almost three million square meters of land across Eastern Visayas having successfully established their HAPAG Community Gardens and with over 18,000 kg of produce harvested.
To show support, Hon. Eden Chua-Pineda, President of the Liga ng Barangays (LnB) National, pushed LnB Provincial Chapters to help support the government’s food security initiatives.
“The effects of this program will help us. Thus, I encourage all of us to show our support to ensure food security in our communities.” Hon. Chua-Pineda said.
Likewise, Hon. Mildred Joy P. Que, Municipal Mayor of Dulag, Leyte, addressed the constituents during her opening remarks, highlighting on the significance of the initiative to foster an abundant and healthy food supply.
“If you plant something healthy, we become healthy,” Hon. Que said.
Hon. Editha De Veyra, Punong Barangay of Sabang Daguitan, the showcase barangay for the regional launch, presented the accomplishments of her barangay in the implementation of the HAPAG KAY PBBM program. Hon. De Veyra also led the Pledge of Commitment, followed by the commitment signing of all guests and participants.
In his message, Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 8 Regional Director Andrew Rodolfo T. Orais showed his enthusiasm for the partnership of the different agencies to assist in the production of planting materials in communities.
Following the launch was the garden tour of Barangay Sabang and the planting of seeds in the communal garden. This was followed by the ceremonial harvesting and Agri-Fair of the DA.
