Enough food supply in Level 3 areas – DA

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is assuring the public of sufficient food supply in areas placed under Alert Level 3, including the National Capital Region (NCR) and nearby provinces.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar appealed to consumers to avoid panic buying as the country has enough food supply.

“Buying more food than what we require deprives others, thus causing an artificial shortage and price spikes. Our inventory for basic food commodities, particularly rice, shows that we have more than enough supply that will last for more than the next three months,” Dar said In a statement.

Data from the DA’s Philippine Integrated Rice Program showed that the country’s rice supply is good enough for the next 115 days, as of Jan. 8. This is enough to last until the next harvest season in April.

The DA also assured of adequate supply of lowland and highland vegetables, currently at 85 percent and 107 percent sufficiency level, respectively.

Dar also appealed to local government units (LGUs) to ensure unhampered and continuous flow of food and agricultural inputs to and from production and consumption areas, particularly those affected by Typhoon Odette.

He said that there should not be any unnecessary restrictions in the movement of goods, services and people.

“We will see to it that food supply lines are kept open, in partnership with the LGUs, and ensure continuous delivery of major food items and temper prices,” Dar said.

“We already went through similar situations during previous community lockdowns and we were able to make it through with everybody’s cooperation. Thus, we reiterate anew that we should not be overzealous, but simply adhere to the required health and medical protocols. Once again, let us remain calm, conscientious and understanding,” he added.

The government earlier placed several areas including Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, and Laguna under Alert Level 3 until Jan. 15 amid the surging COVID-19 cases.

Likewise, the provinces of Bataan, Batangas, Cagayan, Pampanga and Zambales were also placed under the same alert level.

In addition, the government also classified a number of cities under Alert Level 3 such as Angeles City, Baguio City, Dagupan City, Iloilo City, Lapu-Lapu City, Lucena City, Naga City, Olongapo City, and Santiago City.

On Friday evening, Dar announced that he tested positive for COVID-19.

In a Twitter post, Dar said he has mild symptoms and is currently recovering while in quarantine.