DA Appeals to Local Execs to Let Food Workers Go Back To Work Amid Quarantine
DA – The Department of Agriculture urged the local government units to allow food workers to go to work to ensure the food supply of quarantined areas.
Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte placed Luzon under “enhanced community quarantine” to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. Department of Agriculture Secretary William Dar assured the people in Metro Manila that the city has enough food during the quarantine period.
In a previous article, Dar said this is also the best time to implement an ‘urban gardening’ since most of the residents are staying in their houses. This can also provide a livelihood he said.
Based on a report from Inquirer, DA Secretary urged the local government executives to allow food workers to go to work to ensure the basic supply of quarantined areas. Dar’s appeal came after the statement of the members of the Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers Inc (PCFMI)., Universal Robina Corporation, Monde Nissin Corporation, San Miguel Corp., Nestle Philippines Inc., and Nutri-Asia Inc. said there might be changes in their operation in the coming weeks.
“At the moment we can assure at least a few weeks to a month’s supply. Succeeding supplies heavily depends on how current issues are handled… We did not anticipate this situation so incoming of materials in the next coming weeks can be an issue,” PCFMI said.
According to the report, PCFMI currently has 100 members and most of them are providing ready-to-eat meals and canned goods like Century Pacific Food Inc., King Sue Ham & Sausage Co., and Monde Nissin Corporation. Fast food restaurant chains like Golden Arches Development Corporation and Jollibee Foods Corps are also members.
“We appeal to the provincial governors, city and municipal mayors in Luzon, including the Visayas and Mindanao, to allow their respective farmers, fishers and workers in food processing and manufacturing facilities to continue to do their jobs, provided they adhere to the social distancing protocol and follow health and sanitation measures,” William Dar said.
He said their agency is tasked to ensure the smooth production and distribution of the goods nationwide.
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