Some Farmers’ Information and Technology Services (FITS) Centers in CALABARZON has joined the community pantry movement, donating fresh harvest from their own [plant] nurseries at the Department of Agriculture LGU office.

FITS Center in Siniloan, Laguna opened up their own “DA Community Pantry” last April 19, 2021, offering goods to constituents from their own harvest in DA nursery and pledges from farmers and employees.

“Donations po ang majority, pledges at harvest po sa aming nursery at sariling mga gulayan,” says Ms. Dinia Arceo, Agricultural Technician from the said FITS Center.
"Meron po yun mga livestock raisers namin, rice farmers at vegetable farmers at kahit po may maliliit na business ay may nagbibigay din po,” she added.

In exchange for goods, FITS Siniloan staff asks for empty bottles to be used for urban gardening.

Meanwhile in Cavinti, Laguna, the FITS Center also set up its own community pantry to relive the “bayanihan spirit." It is located at the municipal covered plaza. Farmers and private individuals help together to continue the ripple of uplifting and helping the community. Manned by the Municipal Agriculture Office of Cavinti, Laguna, the community pantry opened to the public on April 20, 2021.

ATI CALABARZON as an active partner supporting the establishment and enhancement of these FITS Centers lauds and supports these initiatives to help communities especially in time of adversity.

The FITS Centers serve as a one-stop AFE learning facility for farmers and stakeholders. The FITS Centers are being operated by the municipal/city agriculture office of the Local Government Unit (LGU).

Edited by: MGJaurigue