TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite - As the government continue to enforce enhanced community quarantine in Luzon to flatten the curve amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, essential offices and government agencies continue to operate, including agriculture offices.

In Region IV-A, FITS (Farmers’ Information and Technology Services) Centers and or Offices of the Municipal Agriculturist (OMA) pour efforts to normalize delivery of their services to their clienteles. Based on the posts on their social media pages and accounts, some offices namely FITS Kalayaan and Siniloan in Laguna have become a (bagsakan) of fresh produce from their farmers in their areas,

As per mandate, FITS/OMA are expected to issue food and agriculture worker pass as directed by the Department of Agriculture. Some are also giving out seed packs to encourage households to plant. But some offices are leveling-up their efforts to cope with the effects of the pandemic.

FITS Magdalena conducted a five-day milk feeding program to support 556 volunteers and front liners in their municipality. They also continue to perform their daily operations in the farm and office to ensure availability of food for their community.

FITS Siniloan on the other hand was able to obtain cheaper rice from NFA San Pablo in Laguna. Their “Covid-19 Task Force Livelihood” also conduct regular survey and visits to identify possible source of vegetables, rootcrops, corn and fruits in their municipality. They have also distributed food packs to households, initiated by the Local Chief Executive.

Some FITS Centers also give out Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials along with packs of seeds to households.