Republic of the Philippines

Province of Surigao del Sur

MUNICIPALITY OF CARMEN
Carmen, Surigao del Sur

OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL AGRICULTURE

KONTRA COVID INITIATIVES

ACITIVITIES:

I. “Pagpuyo sa balay, pagtanom ug gulay” Food Security Program

II. Distribution of Root Crops to Vulnerable Sectors
III. Search for Innovative Young Gardener

I. “Pagpuyo sa balay, pagtanom ug gulay”: Food Security Program

Household gardening while in home quarantine dubbed as “Pagpuyo sa balay, Pagtanum ug

gulay” is a municipal initiative in support to the food security program of the Department of Agriculture
during this pandemic known as Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat (ALPAS) Kontra Covid-19.

The office of the Municipal Agriculture commenced the distribution last March and distributed a
total of about 1,425 packs of Assorted Vegetable seeds (600 packs from Regular procurement under
HVCDP, 460 Packs from Regional Office and 365 Packs specially procured for the program) to the
residents through the barangay council and walk-in clients. To ensure that each household will receive
seeds/seedlings, as for the walk-in clients, the office staffs opt to repack the vegetable seeds in quantity
only enough for backyard gardening and as for the barangay constituents, the office advised the council to
distribute seedlings instead of seeds (in this manner, AEW’s facilitated the preparation of seedlings in the
respective barangay nursery).

The community were so busy in preparing their backyard gardens, some were using container
gardening, others opted to do vertical gardening, and most were using plot gardening. Their vegetable
plants are now starting to bloom flowers and will soon bear fruits. The people of Carmen were so grateful
with the provision of seedlings and seeds in this time of crisis. Now that they have their own garden,
where they can get their immediate vegetables, they are less worry in their everyday living.

II. Distribution of Root Crops to Vulnerable Sectors

Front liners are our heroes during this pandemic, to show support to them, the Municipal
Agriculture Office provided them root crops in assistance to their daily food consumption.

Aside from the front liners, all pregnant women and lactating mothers in the municipality also
received sweet potatoes from the office, considering that they are also vulnerable in this pandemic.

However, the Barangay Hinapoyan waived their share for their pregnant and lactating mothers for
the reason that most of their households have planted sweet potatoes and they have abundant supply of it.
Instead, they give their share to LGU employees. All offices then received 3 kilos each of sweet potatoes.

This activity also helps our farmers in Brgy Hinapoyan known as MAMASAHI (Mag-uumang
Manobo sa Hinapoyan) through buying their produce. A total of 1,801 kilos of sweet potatoes were
distributed. The distribution happened last May 4-6, 2020.
III. Search for Innovative Young Gardener

The Search for Innovative Young Gardener is a platform for the youth in Carmen, initiated by the
Municipal Agriculture Office, to showcase their talents and innovative ideas when it comes to small scale
farming or gardening, in which the contemporary situation necessitates them to produce and sustain their
own food amidst the escalating Covid-19 Pandemic.

The participating youths were provided with organic fertilizers and planting materials like seeds
and seedlings. They are required to post on their FB accounts their documented works during planting
using the hashtags #CarmenAgainstCovid-19 #CarmenYouthinAction #CarmenYouthGardening to share
their innovative strategies in hardening and to influence other youth to do the same.

First evaluation was done last May 15, 2020 and the second and final evaluation will happen on
June 1 and June 26, consecutively,

The registration started last April 13, 2020 and ended last April 30. There are 11 participants
competing for the contest. The winners will receive P 5, 000.00, P 3000.00 and P 2, 000.00 for the 1 st, 2nd
and 3rd winner, consecutively.

NAME OF PARTICIPANTS BARANGAY

1. Tyron Joseph Garas Poblacion
2. Rosalie Avendanio Poblacion
3. Princess Joy Roluna Poblacion
4. Michael Saligue Poblacion
5. Alven Tomampus Poblacion
6. Shooby Tomampos Poblacion
7. Judy Mansigiuao Poblacion
8. Mary Nycel Sullano Antao
9. Tracel Jane Frias Sta. Cruz
10. Jerico Tejol Hinapoyan
11.Genevieve Lopio Hinapoyan

Prepared by:

RODOLFO B. CELADA
Municipal Agriculturist