As the spread of COVID-19 continues in the country, it is best to keep a strong immune system in order to ward off the virus. Those in the medical field such as the Department of Health and the World Health Organization have reiterated and emphasized the importance of a strong immune system as most of its fatalities are those with weakened bodies.
Therefore, eating healthy is a vital precaution. After the declaration of the community quarantine, some local government units (LGUs) have supplied care packages for the households in their vicinity. However, most of these packages are composed of canned goods or instant noodles which will not provide the necessary amount of nutrition.
In Mandaluyong, however, Mayor Menchie Abalos is also giving out bags of fresh vegetables to the city’s residents. The vegetables, which include squash, ampalaya, tomatoes, garlic, onions, cabbages and more, come from the farmers of Nueva Ecija. Mandaluyong’s local government reports that there will be more produce available soon, and at the same time, calls on other LGUs to follow suit and provide their residents with nutritious food packages.
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Other than facilitating a nutritional care package, the Mandaluyong LGU also shows their support for the local farmers who can now earn and maintain their livelihood through this program. The growing demand for vegetables will then encourage local farmers to produce more. Mandaluyong’s efforts are praised by Jam Melchor, founder of Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement, who posted, “I hope that other LGUs will continue to source out and distribute fresh produce instead of canned goods or instant noodles. This is important for nutrition and dignity.”
Additionally, local produce is significantly more affordable if it’s bought directly from farmers. By purchasing from these farmers directly, there can be more purchasing power for more of these vegetables, and can eventually lead to a sustainable cycle between LGUs and local farmers for farm-fresh produce.
Iriga City in Camarines Sur has also made efforts for nutritional produce through their “Vegetable on Wheels” program which sells local produce of their own farmers from a truck to all 36 barangays in the city. The truck, filled with vegetables that are P10 to P30 cheaper than its market price, goes around the city every announced day of the week.
During times of crisis like this, placing the health and wellness of the citizens must be first and foremost for local government officials. Because the COVID-19 is a disease that can be avoided by maintaining a strong immune system, more LGUs should take the initiative of providing their residents with nutrition that will aid them best, especially to those who are in the poverty threshold.
Header photo courtesy of Mandaluyong City Public Information Office
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