By Nel Andrade
Fresh vegetables straight from the mountains of Benguet province have become part of the regular relief goods that families receive in Taytay, Rizal during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
This after assorted fresh vegetables weighing 12 tons, arrived at the municipal hall compound early morning of April 23, straight from La Trinidad in Benguet.
Mayor George Ricardo "Joric" Gacula told Manila Bulletin that the municipal government here is very grateful that the La Trinidad farmers, suppliers, and the local government unit of La Trinidad have donated eight out of the 12 tons of vegetables for the residents of Taytay.
Gacula said the tie-up with the Benguet vegetable suppliers was made through the effort of a Christian group based in Taytay led by Pastor Glen Sanvictores and its counterpart in Benguet, particularly the group of Johnny and Betsy Langato.
The mayor said that the local government was supposed to purchase only four tons of vegetables but the Benguet group opted to donate an additional eight tons as a goodwill gesture.
To reciprocate the good deed of the La Trinidad farmers, suppliers, and the local government for their vegetable donation, the Taytay Municipal Government has committed to donate personal protective equipment (PPE) gowns that are locally made in this town, to those involved in the delivery of the vegetables.
With the supply of vegetables, the local government has included it as part of the food packs that are distributed regularly to the residents.
“Masaya ang mga tao kapag nakakatanggap sila ng sariwang gulay na galing pa sa Benguet, maliban pa sa bigas at canned goods na natatanggap nila (The people are happy that they also receive fresh vegetables direct from Benguet, aside from rice and canned goods),” Gacula said.