In a bid to bolster food security and address hunger issues in the region, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Western Visayas called on 4,051 barangays to establish vegetable gardens as part of the “Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay” (HAPAG) program.
As of July 24, DILG reported that 3,045 barangays had already set up their HAPAG gardens. The program aims to enhance food security and prevent hunger within communities.
DILG Western Visayas Director Juan Jovian Ingeniero issued a memorandum circular urging barangays to adopt the program by establishing vegetable gardens to meet the food security needs of their residents.
Ingeniero emphasized the importance of HAPAG gardens in urban barangays, where higher populations increase the demand for food.
“One of the mandates of each barangay is to assist our less fortunate citizens to at least alleviate hunger and ensure they have food daily. The HAPAG aims to support our fellow citizens in this aspect,” Ingeniero said.
By establishing vegetable gardens, barangays can reduce the need to request assistance from Local Government Units (LGUs) during calamities for purchasing relief packs for residents. Even with government aid, it may not be sufficient to meet all needs.
Ingeniero noted that setting up vegetable gardens is mandatory under the Local Government Code and part of the barangay officials’ responsibilities to implement programs, projects, and initiatives that improve residents’ livelihoods.
“We will continue to urge them, documenting the progress, and I’m directing all provincial directors to monitor and ensure that all barangays have established their gardens,” Ingeniero added.
The HAPAG program is also a crucial factor for barangays to qualify for the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) – Barangay Level. The SGLG, known as the “mother of all awards,” is given to LGUs demonstrating transparency and accountability.
