The spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) shows that it is more than a public health crisis as it poses detrimental effects to the country’s socioeconomic sectors, including the agriculture and food systems.

Following the Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon (ECQ) and some parts of Visayas and Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has imposed protocols relative to the continuous movement of food products. It is in these times that the key players in the society join hands to cope with the effects of COVID-19 in the sector. At present, the Department has been doubling its efforts to support farmers and ensure food security with the help of its various partners.

In this special issue of ACCESS, the official publication of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), interventions in the provision of agricultural support in the time of COVID-19 were captured at a glance. Learn about how the cooperators of Learning Sites for Agriculture and Extension Service Providers of the ATI offered assistance to their communities during this global pandemic. Be informed about some of the initiatives of the Department to ensure a food-secure Philippines even at the height of a public health emergency. Moreover, get to know ATI’s e-Learning program, which brings knowledge on agriculture and fisheries at your fingertips.

Download the digital version here for free.