By Shirley Matias Pizarro
BALANGA, BATAAN — The provincial government of Bataan has devised a way to help local food manufacturers, producers, processors, farmers, fishermen and food business owners here by offering to purchase their products in line with the ongoing food and relief distribution being undertaken in all barangays in Bataan under the Enhanced Community Quarantine brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The advisory from the office of Bataan’s second district Rep. Jose Enrique “Joet” Garcia said, “aside from the canned goods, rice and noodles that we are currently distributing, your government is also looking for suppliers of bread, biscuits, vegetables, fruits, eggs, and even cooked foods.”
“We really want to help our local business owners and producers, big or small, sell their products. It may be a difficult time for everyone, but it is also a time for solidarity and looking out for one another. Our unity can tide us over the rough times,” the lawmaker said.
Garcia’s office urged the business owners and manufacturers to fill-out an online survey form (link: https://forms.gle/4wBzbrjZSreyTRhg8 ) that will inform them of the kind of food and products that they offer and the capacity of their supplies.
A unified system of food and relief distribution in the barangays in Bataan is being undertaken that ensures social distancing between recipients and those that receive the packs.
Residents were urged to place a chair or a bench outside their doors or gates where the barangay officials will place deliveries. They were also advised that there will be no need to shake hands or come close to say thank you to maintain proper social distancing at all times.
The government also made an appeal to those who have enough supplies in their households to refrain from receiving the relief packs by placing a piece of paper outside their gates or doors with the advisory that says “PASS- Ibigay na lang sa mas nangangailangan.”
Barangay officials disseminate information on the schedule of distribution in every barangay beforehand for the residents to be properly informed.