When the Philippine government placed the country on lockdown starting in mid-March, a number of challenges for the citizens ensued. Delivery of fresh vegetables and fruits to the national capital region coming from the provinces were delayed due to obstacles in transporting these goods. The scarcity of fresh food and the panic buying of people in the cities drove the prices of vegetables in urban areas. The lockdown also limited the movement of the people, with only one person per household allowed to go out for essentials. As the days go by, people were starting to look for productive things they can do while quarantined at home, and home gardening is one of the popular choices. As they feel food insecurity, people started to realize and appreciate the importance of having your own food source. Thus, many people, both in rural and urban areas, turned to home gardening.
As a response, the Department of Agriculture rolled out its free seeds program. Anyone who wants seeds to plant can go to any of their offices and request for available seeds, free of charge.
Among those who took advantage of this program of DA is Randy Cirio, president of the Banasi Farmers’ Association, a member of PAKISAMA. Cirio went to the DA Region 5 office in Pili, Camarines Sur province, and requested seeds and other farm inputs. His request was granted and he was given six varieties of vegetable seeds namely okra, pechay (cabbage), bitter gourd, tomato, and eggplant. He then divided these into smaller packs and distributed to the members of their association and to other people in their village who are willing to start a garden.
In his post on his Facebook, he reminded the people to plant the seeds and not just put it to waste as every grain is important.
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