By Krystelle Ymari A. Vergara, DA-AFID
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and private agriculture-based company FarmFresh Products, Inc. officially launched the instant pinakbet and chop suey under the latter’s Adopt-A-Town, Adopt-A-Farmer Program on October 13 at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management Convention Hall in Quezon City.
The program aims to help enhance food mobilization nationwide by tapping local farmers as suppliers of fresh produce and then linking them to restaurants and other institutional buyers.
The Adopt-A-Town, Adopt-A-Farmer Program also aims to combat malnutrition by producing healthy, affordable meals without preservatives or additives.
A pack of viand is suitable for five people. The instant food is ready for consumption after being put in hot water for about eight minutes.
The collaborative project between DA and FarmFresh aligns with the food security programs of various government agencies, namely, the Supplementary Feeding Program and Disaster Response and Management Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); the School-Based Feeding Program of the Department of Education (DepEd); the Feeding Program of 50,000 Inmates of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor); and the Disaster Relief Operations of the Department of National Defense (DND).
Reiterating that food security is a top priority under the leadership of President and Agriculture Secretary Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo, Jr. stressed the importance of a whole-of-nation approach not only to ensure that food is present in every home but also to protect local farmers, fisherfolk, and marginalized sectors.
“It is crucial that we explore collaborative partnerships between the government agencies and the private sector to pave the way for innovative solutions. Unlocking our collective potential by leveraging our respective strengths and expertise is key to achieving positive and sustainable outcomes,” he expressed.
