STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan – Determined to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, state leaders enforced lockdown and enhance community quarantine to fight the spread of the virus.

This global pandemic has been the bane of the labor market as it caused industries and businesses to struggle. Workers need to work from home while many others lost their jobs. If this health crisis continues, a negative impact in the economy may happen especially in food production and supply.

In support to President Rodrigo Duterte’s advocacy to increase the country’s food adequacy, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar encouraged the whole nation to join DA’s Urban Gardening Program: “Plant, Plant, Plant Program” or “Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat (ALPAS) Laban sa COVID-19” to ensure continuous supply of home-grown nutritious vegetables on the tables of every Filipino household.

Agricultural Training Institute- Regional Training Center I (ATI-RTC I) complies with this program by producing foods at home. ATI-RTC I staff started growing their own vegetable garden in their households. Despite having small yards, they use plastic bottles, egg trays, containers and plastic sacks as an alternative way to grow healthy crops. They also encourage their families to engage in this kind of activity.

ATI-RTC I continues to empower our farmers and fishers who play a crucial role in the fight against COVID-19 by providing information that are relevant to the present situation.

During this time of crisis, growing one’s own food is beneficial in contributing to greater food security. It may also be a way for adults and kids to cope with boredom and help families earn and complement their income.