Agriculture is one of the most affected sectors by the COVID-19 pandemic here in the country. Local agri workers are having a hard time distributing their products to markets due to travel restrictions. Because of this, some of them had no choice but to dump their produce.
In May, Ifugao farmers discarded truckloads of tomatoes at Nueva Vizcaya due to transport issues. The same thing happened in June when they weren’t able to preserve their tomatoes for longer. Needless to say, agri workers were reeling under the impact of the health crisis.
So in an effort to help them recover or at least generate some income, the Department of Agriculture (DA) partnered with Megaworld Lifestyle Malls and non-profit group RestoPH in launching “Harvest to Goodness” weekend market.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCxorzLjHyg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
In this setup, you can directly buy products from local farmers, fisherfolk and participating restaurants. Here are some of their selections.
Homegrown fruits and vegetables
Farmers from Batangas, Quezon, Bulacan, Baguio City and Benguet have a variety of fresh produce you can choose from. You can also buy seed packs (pechay, mustasa and patola) from the Bureau of Plant Industry if you wish to grow your own veggies.
Everything coconut
The weekend market also features entrepreneurs offering organic coconut products—from coconut oil to coconut milk and even coconut soap.
Boneless Dagupan bangus
Besides the famous boneless Dagupan bangus, there’s an array of fish and other seafood choices as well such as tilapia, talakitok and tiger prawns.
DIY ramen kits
Menya Kokoro has cook-it-yourself ramen kits available at the weekend market. Instruction sheets are attached to each kit so you don’t have to worry about messing it up.
Cow Cow ice cream, Badaco yoghurt
Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory is also participating in this initiative so you can order their soft-serve Cow Cow ice cream cups. Badaco yoghurt bottles are also available in three flavors: strawberry, blueberry and raspberry.
“Harvest to Goodness” weekend market will be open for four consecutive weekends in three different locations: Eastwood Central Plaza from July 17 to 19 and July 24 to 26, Grand Venice Canal from July 31 to Aug. 2 and Uptown Bonifacio from Aug. 7 to 9.
Health protocols and physical distancing measures must always be observed when shopping. If you prefer shopping from home though, you can have your purchased goods delivered via MyKuya, LalaFood or Mr. Speedy.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCv6xzEndgD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Curbside pickup is also a viable option. You may contact the vendors and agree on a pickup location. For more information, visit Megaworld Lifestyle Malls on Facebook or join their Viber community.
Header photo from Megaworld Lifestyle Malls
Get more stories like this by subscribing to our weekly newsletter here.
Read more:
Department of Agriculture receives budget approval from IATF to aid farmers and ensure food security
Avocado season is upon us—not just as fruits, but as desserts, too
ICYMI, you can now binge on Haw Haw and Chocnut ice cream
Writer: KLEO CATIENZA
