DILIMAN, Quezon City – To increase the par productivity and have a sufficient supply of food for every household, the Department of Agriculture launched the “Ahon Lahat, Pagkain Sapat Kontra sa COVID-19” (ALPAS COVID-19) or commonly known as the Plant Plant Plant Program. As such, the program involves the promotion, and strengthening of implementation of the Urban Agriculture Program. Whereas, Local Government Units (LGUs) play a vital role in the effective delivery of the program, especially in reaching out various communities in urban areas because they are in strategic position to perform a catalytic role.

In this line, the office of Councilor Mikey Belmonte of the 2nd District in Quezon City collaborated and partnered with the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in implementing the program in the area, so as to curb food insecurity which is exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative serves as stimulus to contribute in ensuring food security in Quezon City, as a whole.

As a response to the salient result that will be brought by the partnership, the ATI turned-over 2,500 start-up kits last October 12, 2020 to some community beneficiaries identified by the Office of Councilor Belmonte. Skills development activities were organized as well to provide basic knowledge and skills, prior to the distribution of start-up kits to the target recipients.

Furthermore, the ATI assigned on-field Resource Persons to conduct urban agriculture-related seminars, and provide technical assistance. There will be two batches of face-to-face Training of Trainors (TOT) on November 11-12 and 18-19, 2020 at the Function Hall of the Rural Development Education Center in ATI compound in this city. The TOTs aim to capacitate local trainors that will serve as technicians in their respective communities.

Last October 21, 2020, a face-to-face seminar was conducted in Bagong Silangan. It was participated by 45 individuals and Mr. Jomar O. Tabor, Agriculturist I of ATI’s Partnership and Accreditation Division (PAD) acted as Resource Person. A similar seminar was also conducted on October 28, 2020 in Barangay Commonwealth, and was participated by 100 individuals. The resource person during this activity was Engr. Jonarex Z. Miral, Agriculturist II of ATI-PAD.

Series of seminars are scheduled on November prior to the distribution of start-up kits received by the Office of Councilor Belmonte.