DAVAO CITY – Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has envisioned an agriculture sector that is more resilient to climate change given the many challenges it brings to farmers, food security and the government's coffers.
She, however, said there is now greater environmental awareness and support from both government and the private sector’s involvement in programs for sustainability of the farms and fishing grounds.
The city mayor said improving farm-to-market roads has remained a paramount concern, considering the fact that when small farmers cannot bring their harvests to the market themselves, they are constrained to resort to pricing schemes even if these put them in a disadvantage position.
But Duterte-Carpio looks forward to the national government’s support. She said the Department of Agriculture through Secretary Manny Pinol has programmed multi-million farm-to-market road projects in Davao City.
On the other hand, the city mayor said there is an increase in the volume of support for agri-fisheries infrastructure and inputs from national government agencies, and this encourages urban agriculture.
Despite challenges brought by climate change, the city government has also toiled to support the farmers.
The city has developed a model project for urban container gardening using organic methods that utilize existing spaces in urban areas. The project is located at the rooftop of City Hall.
"We believe that by utilizing organic methods and maximizing our areas, we can not only reduce expenses, but we can guarantee food and environmental safety," she said.
The mayor also cited the Animal Breeding Centers in Malagos, Pangi and Malabog where boars, swine, and chicken are produced for beneficiaries through the Animal Dispersal Program.
She also pointed out the need for small farmers to form or become members of farmers' associations and cooperatives so they can have access to loan programs, intervention and protection services to improve their yield and way of life.
The mayor said the Davao Agri Trade Expo (DATE) 2017, which opened Thursday at SMX Convention Center at SM Lanang Premier, opens a skylight of opportunities in different sectors.
Duterte-Carpio said that inputs gained will not be limited to plans and sessions, but rather there would be concrete outcomes align with the administration's campaign to feed Filipino families.
This year's DATE has 154 exhibitors both foreign and domestic with a projection of 10,000 foot traffic for the duration of the Exposition from September 21 to 23, 2017 with the theme "Towards Available and Affordable Food for All". (Digna D. Banzon/PNA)
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