In compliance to the strict preventive protocols of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-EID), the Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal (NVAT) closely monitors its operation while maintaining and sustaining their impressive performance where less than half billion was recorded as its traded value since the implementation of the Enhance Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon.
NVAT sustained its operation amidst the threat of the COVID-19 Pandemic even with the limited skeletal workforce approved as stipulated in the IATF Guidelines.
The agricultural terminal was able to supply affordable, sufficient, and assorted fruits and vegetables that reached as far as Bicol Region.
“Ang operasyon ng NVAT ay tuluy-tuloy at hindi kami titigil lalong-lalo ngayong nakadeklara pa rin ang Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) sa ating lugar,” ani General Manager Gilbert Cumila.
Based on available data consolidated by the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), a total of P438,000,000.00 traded value covering 17,000 MT distributed to six (6) regions, including the National Capital Region (Region) was recorded.
It ensures a positive impact not only to consumer-buyer but also most especially to farmers supplying assorted fruits and vegetables to NVAT.
The NCR got the most significant share equivalent to more than 5,000MT while 12,000MT for other regions from CAR to Region 5.
All suppliers (farmers) and buyers are required to follow the preventive measures set by the IATF.
According to GM Cumila, it is necessary to follow the preventive measures to control the spread of this virus.
Only three persons are allowed to enter the NVAT premises per truck, and only one gate was opened for catering its entrance and exit.
“No face mask, no entry pa rin sa NVAT at patuloy na minomonitor ang temperatura ng taong pumapasok sa loob ng facility. Kontrolado din ang pagpasok ng mga farmer at buyer maging ang mga staff ng DA-RFO 02 at NVAT. Kapag walang Travel Pass, hindi rin sila pinapapasok,” dagdag ni Cumila.
The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office No 2 (DA-RFO 02) through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) and Nueva Vizcaya Experiment Station (NVES) regularly monitored Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal (NVAT) sa Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya.
The trading facility is open 24/7.
Meanwhile, RED Narciso Edillo strongly emphasized the crucial role of NVAT, especially during this time.
“We also regularly monitor the price of all agricultural commodities, including the inflow of outflow of these agricultural products. We even assigned staff to check the preventive protocols in NVAT,” said Edillo.
As a gesture of thanks, DA-RFO 02 provided 25 sacks of rice for distribution to their skeletal force last month.
NVAT is a 6.7-hectare agricultural facility that provides market channels for the agricultural and non-agricultural products and services of Nueva Vizcaya and adjoining provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, Quirino, Isabela, Nueva Ecija, and Pangasinan.
Based on data, Nueva Vizcaya is next to Benguet as the largest production area of vegetables in Northern Luzon.
The advantage of Nueva Vizcaya in vegetable production is its capability to produce both highland and lowland vegetables.
This significant contribution of NVAT will be written in history, and this accomplishment is a clear manifestation that the government is doing good for the welfare of the Filipino people.
(Contributed by Mr. Bernard Malazzab of DA-AMAD).
