The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) called on the local government units (LGUs) nationwide to stockpile, purchase, and distribute farm and fisherfolk products to disaster victims in their respective localities.

ULAP president Dakila "Dax" Cua noted that local leaders should not have to rely solely on instant noodles and canned goods for food relief packs during disasters.

“One very good idea that we can do is to purchase our food requirements from our local producers,” Cua said.

Through this, Cua stressed that the spoilage of crops and other produce could also be avoided which will help the farmers and fisherfolk avoid or minimize agricultural losses.

As for funding, Cua said that such endeavors could be sourced from the local disaster risk reduction and management fund (LDRRMF).

“The LDRRMF may be used for stockpiling of basic emergency supplies and provision of food subsistence to disaster victims, among others, so such a practice is definitely allowed and in fact should be encouraged to ensure that the resources we utilize benefit a greater set of beneficiaries,” Cua maintained.

He also urged the LGUs to continue improving the resilience of livelihood in their areas, with focus on anticipatory planning for disasters and rollout of risk transfer instruments like insurance products catering to farmers and fisherfolk.

“Let us mainstream the building of resilient infrastructure especially with regard to our food industries, for example disaster-resilient crops and fishpens, not only to lessen the scale of agricultural loss but also to ensure our people’s food security,” he added.