By Ruel B. Francisco October 16, 2020 IMUS, Cavite - The City Government here together with the City Agriculture Services Office takes pride...
October 16, 2020
IMUS, Cavite - The City Government here together with the City Agriculture Services Office takes pride in its agriculture program 'Project Punla' that was recognized recently and supported by the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Mayor Maliksi said, "Project Punla was conceptualized to strengthen the agricultural sector, to help the farmers affected during the pandemic, to bring back the people's interest in farming, and to give priority to till the idle lands in the city."
According to Vice Mayor Ony Cantimbuhan, the program has three plans: the short term is focused on the city's rice and vegetable farmers; the mid-term for those engaged in backyard gardening, and the long term is the utilization of large idle lands in the city for organic farming.
The short term plan involves the purchase of all the farm produce of the rice and vegetable farmers particularly the fresh vegetables which in turn will be distributed as relief packs to COVID-19 positive patients of the city.
The mid-term plan is the promotion of backyard gardening or urban farming to residents during the pandemic that somehow contributed to the food security and provided them an alternative source of income.
Meanwhile, the long-term plan is the use of idle lands in the city for organic farming that would yield high value crops resulting to bigger income for farmers.
During the Farmers' Month celebration, Imus City Agriculturist Mr. Robert R. Marges highlighted the importance of farming saying, "Agriculture is seen as one of the key measures to restart the economy."
On the other hand, Agriculture Secretary William Dar acknowledged the farmers in his video message, " Our farmers are the real frontliners in agriculture because they feed the entire people of the country, and the victory we gain in the war against the pandemic is thru the provision of adequate supply of food."
The DA and Imus LGU recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for a partnership between in support of the Project Punla under the Plant, Plant, Plant Program of the department. (Ruel Francisco, PIA-Cavite/Imus City Information Office)
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