Livelihood, food security on

top of priorities of LGU 

Dipolog amid COVID-19 crisis

Now that the two confirmed COVID-19 cases of Dipolog City had recovered, the local government unit here is looking at boosting agriculture as means to secure food and livelihood for its residents.

Mayor Darel Dexter Uy, in his guesting at the Laging Handa Network Briefing with PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar, talked about the LGU’s initiatives to address food security and those whose livelihood were badly affected by the implementation of the community quarantine due to the COVID-19 crisis.

“Continuous ‘yong programa natin on economic recovery at dinagdagan natin ito ng pang agrikultura. We want to ensure the production of our food here in Dipolog. We are also looking at other means of livelihood for our residents,” said Mayor Uy.

He emphasized a recently passed ordinance authorizing the establishment and operation of “Talipapa” in the barangays.

“With this, mas malapit na sa mga residente ang bilihan ng mga pagkain at dagdag pangkabuhayan pa sa kanila.”

Moreover, Mayor Uy encouraged Dipolognons to go into urban farming especially for those who are working and spending some idle time at home. The LGU has been promoting the aquaponics system method of urban farming.

“Mas marami kaayong maitatanim sa inyong maliit na garden with this method. This is purely organic,” said Mayor Uy who shared that he’s been doing the same technique in his backyard garden at home.

He said planting at home, especially at this time of crisis, would help the Dipolognons earn additional income and have sufficient food on their plates.

“Makakatulong sila hindi lang sa kanilang kanya-kanyang pamilya kundi sa komunidad na rin,” he opined.

In his recent social media post, Mayor Uy stressed “stay at home, grow your own food,” which is very timely in the coming celebration of the Nutrition Month. (NBE/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)