Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. and Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa had initial talks for a prospective partnership between DA and DOH early in December.
In the last days of 2023, DA-Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban followed through with Secretary Herbosa to discuss the partnership towards promoting health through urban agriculture.
The DOH has committed to do its part in contributing to food security, one of the main priorities of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration. In the proposed partnership, it shall allocate green spaces in its hospitals and facilities, while the DA shall support DOH in its establishment and maintenance.
Green spaces are a means to provide vegetables for healthy food, improve mental health, and build communities. Overall, the partnership aims to promote a synergy between health and agriculture.
The partnership, through the expertise of DA and DOH, will materialize this January 2024. By then, DOH will join the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) as part of the DA’s key partner departments.