Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles revealed the government’s anti-hunger and COVID-19 responses during the second leg of Kasama sa Pamana: Regional Pre-SONA Series in an event at Peñablanca, Cagayan last May 5, 2021.
This was part of the preparations for President Rodrigo Duterte’s sixth and last State of the Nation Address on July 2021 being led by the Office of the Cabinet Secretariat (OCS) and the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) in coordination with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Regional Development Councils (RDCs), chairpersons of the Cabinet Clusters, members of the Cabinet and the Office of the Executive Secretary.
“Region 2 leads the country in the production of corn and second in palay.”
The activity aims to inform constitutents in differents region of the various achievements of the Duterte administration, including plans for the remainder of the President’s term. It featured a comprehensive report on measures taken to address the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic under the National Vaccination Deployment Plan (NVDP).
“Our goal is to reach as many of our countrymen as possible to make them aware of what has been done in the last five years and what remains moving forward as we approach 2022 when President Duterte’s presidency ends,” the Malacanang official said.
The Kasama sa Pamana: Regional Pre-SONA Series was attended by top officials from national government agencies (NGAs), representatives from the House of Representatives, local chief executives, Punong Barangays, non-government organizations (NGOs), academe, media, the business sector and citizens from Cagayan.
Nograles was joined during the event by DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III, PCOO Undersecretary George Apacible, Cagayan Province 3rd District Representative Joseph Lara, Isabela Gov. Rodolfo Albano III, Quirino Gov. Dakila Carlo Cua, DOH representative Dr. Ma. Angelica Taloma and Ms. Gene Baquiran from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region II office.
One of the key issues Nograles discussed was how the Task Force Zero Hunger which he chairs was able to focus on programs addressing hunger, poverty and malnutrition in the country.
The CabSec explained the successful implementation of the Enhanced Program Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) banner program in different regions, as well as the launch of the National Food Policy (NFP) which serves as the blueprint for the plan to comprehensively end hunger.
“Adlay rice can be added to the list of successful crops and products from Cagayan Valley. This variety is easy to grow and has strong pest resistance. Our farmers would do well to invest in Adlay.”
Nograles likewise noted crucial partnerships made with the private sector through the Pilipinas Kontra Gutom initiative in furtherance of the NFP.
“Also, we strongly encourage the people of Cagayan Valley to look into planting Adlay rice as a viable nutritional and income source.”
“Alternative food sources need to explored. Region 2 leads the country in the production of corn and second in palay. Adlay rice can be added to the list of successful crops and products from Cagayan Valley. This variety is easy to grow and has strong pest resistance. Our farmers would do well to invest in Adlay.”
The former legislator stressed the need to continue accelerating the process of project turnouts to foster true development outside of urban areas and to ensure food security.
“Despite the ongoing pandemic, Cagayan Valley has been a success in agricultural production. The government will continue giving support to Region 2,” Nograles explained.