DILG addresses food security, hunger woes via HAPAG program

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) launched the Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas At Gulay (HAPAG) program to enhance the food security measures and resolve the excruciating hunger-related concerns in Western Visayas.

*(Photo: DILG)

* In a statement, the DILG Regional Office 6 stated that the programs include the strategic “intensification and fostering of agricultural activities such as barangay community gardening, wherein households and communities are encouraged to produce fresh, healthy and affordable fruits and vegetables from their backyards and spaces through the establishment of community garden in barangay with vacant areas.’’ DILG Regional Office 6 Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero explained that the essence of HAPAG is to cultivate not only plants but also “to nurture greener and healthier future for the generations to come.’’ “HAPAG is a government initiative that enables different community sectors to connect with nature, nurture the earth, and open different economic opportunities. We aim that community gardens will promote sustainable gardening practices, ecological balance, and teach the young generation the importance of local food systems,” Ingeniero pointed out. Being the showcase barangay, the DILG noted that it hopes to transcend the Calumpang HAPAG community garden as a model community “which will serve as the best example of where different community gardens throughout the region will be able to replicate.’’ “In a two-hundred square meter land area, the community garden of Barangay Calumpang comprises various kinds of plants and vegetables such as leafy and cruciferous vegetables, fruit-bearing plants, legumes, herbal plants and root crops. The garden is enclosed with short bamboos with hanging colorful containers formed to a flower. Beside of some plants and vegetables are short quotes giving information on how it is known to the locals. This initiative entice visitors to stroll around more in the garden,’’ the DILG stated. Aside from Ingeniero, DILG Iloilo City Director Oscar T. Lim, Jr., Calumpang Punong Barangay Roberto C. Niño, Jr. and Iloilo City Councilor Miguel S. Treñas were among those present in the activity. “Local government units are enjoined to lead the promotion of barangay community gardening by including its importance and benefits as well as the products produced through the community garden. Technical and financial assistance to barangays shall also be provided particularly in the implementation of agricultural activities and provision of agricultural support services,’’ the DILG added.