To conclude its last leg activity of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office No. 2 (DA-RFO 02) in support to the Filipino Food Month celebration, the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS) conducted a Feeding Program and ceremonial Seed and Seedlings Distribution at the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) on April 16, 2025 at Lingu, Solana, Cagayan.

Highlighting the agency’s commitment to promoting food security and social responsibility among vulnerable sectors, RSCC beneficiaries received assorted vegetable seeds and seedlings, alongside a feeding program for children featuring native food delicacies.

The said agricultural intervention, aimed to strengthen the center’s backyard gardens, encouraging children and staff to grow their own food and better understand the value of agricultural production.

Ms. Jhoana M. Bassig, Information Officer II of the DA RFO 02, presented the activity overview, emphasizing the importance of celebrating Filipino Food Month. “Ipinagdiriwang natin ito dahil ang pagkaing Pinoy ay siyang bumubuo ng ating kultura, kasaysayan, at pagkatao bilang Pilipino,” she stated.

She also acknowledged the vital role of farmers and fisherfolk in securing food for every Filipino.

“Kung hindi dahil sa ating kasamang magsasaka at mangingisda, hindi natin maeenjoy ang masasarap na pagkaing Pinoy,” she added.

In his opening message, Mr. Hector U. Tabbun, Chief, DA-RAFIS, encouraged everyone to appreciate the efforts and contributions of farmers in sustaining food in the Cagayan Valley Region.

“Ang gusto lamang namin iparating, sa mga bata man o tayong lahat, huwag nating kalimutan yung mga nagtatanim, yung mga farmers natin. Sila ang nagtatanim gaano man kahirap ang kanilang sitwasyon, binibagyo sila, naiinitan sila pero andiyan pa rin para magkaroon tayo ng mga pagkain sa ating mga pamilya,” he said.

A total of 45 children and teenagers under the care of RSCC of the Department of Social Welfare Development Region 02 participated in the activity.

The program was made even more enjoyable with parlor games, which brought smiles and laughter to the youngsters.

Tabbun also reiterated the Department of Agriculture’s commitment to ensuring food security for all Filipinos. “Bilang Department of Agriculture, kami yung principle agency na nag-eensure ng food security sa ating bansa. Nararapat lang na magkaroon kami ng ganitong mga activities para at least makita po namin yung sitwasyon ng bawat isa kasi nakakatouch talaga ang makakita ng mga bata. Nakikita namin kayo, talagang iba ang pakiramdam so, dapat magkaroon tayo ng mga magagandang suporta dito sa ganitong program ng ating pamahalaan,” he stated.

Ms. Rosario Corpuz, RSCC Head, expressed her gratitude to the department on behalf of DSWD Regional Director Ms. Lucia Tan, for this meaningful initiative.

“Una po sa lahat, gusto po naming magpasalamat sa Department of Agriculture for choosing RSCC para po sa activity niyo para sa Filipino Food Month celebration. Marami po akong ipagpapasalamat sa aming partner agencies lalo na sa DA kasi sila po yung regular na nagpupunta dito. Last year meron na namang nagbigay ng mga pagkain, gulay, bigas, at iba’t-ibang pagkain para sa mga bata.”

The distributed seeds and seedlings were supported and provided by the DA-High Value Crops Development Program.

Via Castle Castillo and Jackilou Tumaliuan

Photos: Erwin Cachero