CALASIAO, Pangasinan – The Pinablin 4H Calasiao Inc., a conglomeration of 4H clubs in Calasiao, Pangasinan, showed support to their community amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It is one of the most active 4H clubs in the region. Last month, Pinablin 4H Calasiao Inc., together with the Municipal Agriculture Office of Calasiao, took steps to maintain a sustainable food supply despite the ongoing crisis in the country.

The ‘Project Backliners’ was introduced by the club to assist their community and frontliners during the pandemic. “While our brave frontliners protect us from disease, the backliners grow food silently to provide enough food for the people,” Mr. Gerald Quinit, Federated President of Pinablin 4H Club Inc., stated.

On the first blast, the group gave free seeds to 4H presidents and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairmen to distribute to their constituents. “Ito rin ay makakatulong upang malibang at manatili ang mga kabataan sa kanilang bakuran sa kabila ng kanilang home quarantine,” Mr. Quinit said.

In addition to providing seeds, Mr. Gerald Quinit also encouraged the youth to enroll in the e-Learning program for agriculture and fisheries of the Department of Agriculture. “Hinihikayat ko ang mga kabataan na gamitin ang online tutorials sa ATI e-learning Courses na mainam na gabay sa kanilang pagtatanim. The courses will keep them productive during the quarantine,” Mr. Quinit added.

Recently, the youth of 4H Buenlag (Calasiao) likewise led the process of transplanting seedlings in their 4H farm in support to the Department of Agriculture's Plant, Plant, Plant Program. “Hindi naging hadlang ang pandemyang ito upang matigil ang pagtatanim ng mga kabataan para sa tuloy-tuloy at sapat na supply ng pagkain. Ang adhikaing ito ay isang paraan upang tayo’y maging handa sa kinakaharap nating suliranin, at upang mahikayat ang ibang kabataan na maging aktibo sa panahon ng community quarantine” Mr. Quinit said.