In a resounding call to action, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (PBBM) and Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco "Kiko" Tiu Laurel have highlighted the critical role of agriculture in the nation's strategy to alleviate poverty. Recognizing the sector's potential to drive economic growth, improve food security, and uplift rural communities, the administration has placed a renewed emphasis on agricultural development as a cornerstone of national policy.
Furthermore, initiatives like the Gulayan sa Bakuran (Home Gardens), Gulayan sa Barangay (Community Gardens), and Gulayan sa Paaralan (School Gardens) serve as educational platforms, teaching communities the importance of land stewardship and sustainable food production. These programs not only enhance food security but also promote environmental consciousness and community resilience.
This renewed focus on agriculture is not just about increasing food production; it is about building a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future for all Filipinos. Through comprehensive community engagement, education, and support for climate-resilient practices, the government is laying the groundwork for a prosperous and self-sufficient Philippines.
In support to our government’s program and a steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability, health, and youth development, the Talino at Galing ng Pinoy (TGP) Partylist Representative, Deputy Majority Leader Jose “Bong” Joson Teves Jr. has become a key partner of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Bicol. This alliance has been instrumental in securing food for the Bicolanos while simultaneously providing livelihood opportunities over the years.
The said partnership enhance Food Security through Gulayan sa Bakuran Initiatives.
TGP Partylist’s dedication to food security in the Bicol region is exemplified through its various "Gulayan" or vegetable garden initiatives. These include Gulayan sa Bakuran (Home Gardens), Gulayan sa Barangay (Community Gardens), and Gulayan sa Paaralan (School Gardens). By supplying assorted vegetable seeds, fruit tree seedlings, and essential gardening tools such as rakes, shovels, hoes, and sprinklers, TGP empowers communities to cultivate their own food.
Beyond food production, these initiatives serve as educational platforms, teaching communities the importance of land stewardship and the benefits of producing nutritious food. Urban gardening projects and the provision of Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) further reinforce the region's food security and economic stability. These activities not only ensure food on the table but also foster a culture of self-sufficiency and environmental consciousness.
Cong. Bong Teves emphasized the need to be resilient through collaboration in disaster response,
The Bicol region, known for its susceptibility to natural disasters, including an average of 20 typhoons per year, volcanic eruptions, and climatic events like El Niño and La Niña, requires robust disaster response mechanisms. TGP and DA Bicol have established a remarkable partnership in this domain, particularly evident during the rehabilitation efforts following the typhoons QRU (Quinta, Rolly, and Ulysses) in 2020. Their rapid response, which included providing machinery, seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs, facilitated the swift recovery of affected provinces, notably Catanduanes.
This proactive disaster response showcases TGP’s unwavering commitment to supporting DA Bicol in mitigating the impacts of natural calamities. The partylist's readiness to collaborate in such initiatives underscores their role as a reliable partner in disaster management and recovery.
TGP Partylist Representative Cong. Bong Teves and DA Bicol saw the need of facilitating a Comprehensive Community Outreach.
Given DA Bicol's limited capacity to directly reach all communities, TGP serves as a crucial facilitator in coordinating and implementing projects across the provinces and municipalities. This partnership is instrumental in realizing the vision of a "Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas" (Prosperous New Philippines), ensuring that agricultural and livelihood projects meet their intended goals.
In conclusion, the Talino at Galing ng Pinoy (TGP) Partylist's collaboration with the Department of Agriculture Bicol exemplifies a multifaceted approach to community development. Through their dedication to food security, disaster response, and comprehensive community engagement, TGP continues to be a pillar of support for Kalikasan (Nature), Kalusugan (Health), and Kabataan (Youth) in the Bicol region. Their efforts not only provide immediate relief and support but also foster long-term resilience and self-sufficiency among the Bicolanos.
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