DA, DILG INTENSIFY HAPAG KAY PBBM PROGRAM TO ENSURE FOOD SECURITY

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) have agreed to intensify the implementation of a localized agriculture production program aimed at ensuring food security and alleviating poverty in the country.

The DA and the DILG are the lead agencies in the implementation of the Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay, Kadiwa’y Yaman, Plants for Bountiful Barangays Movement (HAPAG Kay PBBM) Program.

HAPAG kay PBBM Program is a whole-of-government initiative that aims to increase access to fresh, safe, and affordable food through urban and peri-urban agriculture and community engagement.

Under the program, the DA will provide technical assistance, seeds and seedlings, fertilizers and pesticides, as well as financial assistance to participating barangays and farmers.

The DILG, on the other hand, will extend training and support to barangay officials on how to implement the program and for mobilizing the participation of barangay residents in carrying out the initiative.

Simultaneously launched in various pilot barangays in the country, the program gained support from different regions such as the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Eastern Visayas, and Caraga.

According to its proponents, the HAPAG Kay PBBM Program is still in the early stages of implementation and the agencies still have to address some challenges such as intensifying barangay and farmer participation to ensure long-term success.

In the Visayas Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFCs) Congress held in Cebu City last September, proponents acknowledged the need to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of the program and identify areas for improvement.

It was agreed upon during the Visayas Congress that the need for the DA and the DILG to develop a monitoring framework for the HAPAG Kay PBBM Program shall be prioritized to facilitate its progress and identify areas for improvement.

The AFC Visayas also recommended that the two lead agencies coordinate with the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and the Philippines Information Agency (PIA) for a comprehensive information dissemination campaign to barangay level to ensure success.