Collado to regl body, merges food security in the time of pandemic

REGIONAL management committee (RMC) of northern Mindanao agriculture department head said that the Covid 19 pandemic is likely fast turning into a food security crisis.

Food security is generally defined as the ability of a country to give its population access, at all times, to ample, safe, nutritious and affordable food.

“We cannot afford to standby. We need to act,” said DA-RFO 10 regional executive director Carlene C. Collado, adding that even with the time of pandemic they need to visit the field for the continuous implementation of their programs and projects.

Addressing to the RMC members, including its attached agencies and bureaus in Northern Mindanao Collado said they have to integrate its efforts in managing COVID-19 food resiliency.

Collado who chaired RMC said during their meeting on September 2, the public has high expectations for DA, its attached agencies and line bureaus on the continuous food supply of agri-fishery commodities with the ongoing pandemic.

Highlighting the agency’s focus on Plant, Plant, Plant Program or the Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat (ALPAS) COVID-19, Director Collado noted, the CY 2020 funds were realigned, refocused to ensure sustained food production and availability, food accessibility and affordability amidst the threats of COVID-19.

He even reported that as of August, this year, the department has 70.28 percent financial utilization, covering its current and continuing funds.

Apart from the accomplishments, he also shared the challenges besetting the agri sector and the measures in addressing issues on African swine fever (ASF), fall armyworm (FAW), fluctuating prices of agri commodities, among others.

“To date, Region 10 is still ASF free but DA and the PLGUs should not be complacent with its status, rather, strengthen its border protection and control against the dreaded disease.

Respective member agencies presented their updates, financial and physical accomplishments and 2021 targets.

Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga of DA-RFO 10 emphasized, the need for all RMC members to come up with their per district targets in preparation for the  2021 budget.

Composition of RMC in Northern Mindanao include NDA, NFA, PCA, PCIC, BAI-NVQS, BPI (PQS, NSQS, SPAL), BSWM, BFAR, NTA, PhilMech, PhilFIDA, FPA, ATI, NMIS, PCC, SRA and ACPC. (Angie T. Cabig/Da-10)