A food security council (FSC) in Puerto Princesa was created Friday, March 27, aimed at fighting hunger in the city, specifically during this COVID-19 crisis.
Councilor Elgin Damasco, told Palawan Daily News (PDN) Friday, this was initially in collaboration with the City Agriculture Office (CAO) and 10 large and well-known agricultural farms in Puerto Princesa.
“Kanina nga pinatawag na namin ‘yong mga farm owners, ‘yong mga malalaking farms. Siguro mga nasa mga sampung mga sikat na mga agricultural farms dito sa Puerto, pumunta kanina at binuo namin ‘yong food security council. Ang council na ito ay mag-i-isip kung papaano malabanan ang kagutuman sa dinadanas natin na COVID-19,” said Damasco.
Damasco stated FSC was established due to the city’s dilemma on food security brought by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) during the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) crisis.
However, he said the FSC will remain even after the problem with COVID-19 was eliminated.
He said the council will be composed not only of the 10 large agricultural farm representatives in the city, but by all the farmers and farm owners, fisherfolks, and individuals in the locality whose work relates to agriculture.
Damasco said he is looking forward this FSC will soon be institutionalized by the City Government to ensure food sufficiency in Puerto Princesa, address the food security barriers, and develop programs toward improving its agricultural status.
“Hindi lamang ito ngayon, meron o walang krisis mananatili ‘yong konseho na ito, aalamin natin mula sa mga eksperto kung papaano natin mas mapagaganda pa ang agrikultura sa lungsod ng Puerto Princesa,” said Damasco.