Davao City Information Officer Harvey Lanticse emphasized that food security remains a top priority for the local government, with intensified efforts to safeguard agricultural production and ensure a stable food supply amid the ongoing fuel crisis.
Lanticse said the City Agriculturist’s Office has already mobilized its resources and conducted a comprehensive inventory of the local food production sector.
Lanticse also said these efforts are being carried out in close coordination with farmers and cooperatives to maintain steady access to agricultural products despite rising fuel costs.
“Food security remains a priority. The City Agriculturist’s Office has mobilized its resources, conducted an inventory of the food production sector, and is working closely with local farmers and cooperatives to ensure a steady supply of agricultural products,” Lanticse said.
He added that the local government is actively facilitating the provision and acquisition of essential agricultural inputs to sustain and boost production across sectors.
“We are also working on the provision and acquisition of necessary support and inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and feeds for inland fisheries to help sustain and boost production,” he said.
Beyond immediate interventions, Lanticse highlighted ongoing initiatives to strengthen sustainable farming practices and these include composting and vermicast programs aimed at producing more affordable fertilizers, as well as exploring regenerative agriculture to enhance soil health and natural pest control.
“The LGU is also strengthening its sustainable farming programs, including composting and vermicast for more affordable fertilizers, exploring regenerative agriculture to improve soil health and natural pest control, and expanding household gardening to further enhance food security,” Lanticse added.
He sais the city government of Davao continues to push for long-term resilience in the agriculture sector, ensuring that communities remain food-secure despite external challenges such as the fuel crisis.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture in the Davao Region (DA 11) continues to strengthen its support for farmers by providing free logistics services and sustaining programs aimed at making food more accessible and affordable.
Agnes Cecilia Roble, chief of the Agribusiness Industry Support Section, said that aside from monitoring the prices of rice, corn, and poultry products, the agency also assists farmers by offering delivery vehicles that can be borrowed at no cost.
This initiative allows farmers to transport their produce directly to markets, helping reduce operational expenses and ensuring fair prices for consumers. Farmers’ associations and cooperatives may avail of the service by submitting a request letter to the Regional Director.
Roble emphasized that the agency remains committed to supporting local producers through both market monitoring and logistical assistance.
“When it comes to the logistics, naay sakyanan si DA nga mupahiram kung kinsa tung mga farmers nga mu-avail sa sakyanan, naay sakyanan si DA. When it comes sa mga sakyanan nga puwede ipahiram sa DA musulat lang sila sa atoang director ang atong mga clients, our farmers, mga cooperatives and associations,” she said.
She added that DA 11 continues to implement programs such as Benteng Bigas, which aims to make rice more affordable and accessible to households in the region.
