Kidapawan gears up for El Niño by giving free vegetable seedlings

The City Agriculture Office (CAO) here has intensified its distribution of free vegetable seedlings to ensure food security in anticipation of the onslaught of El Niño starting next month. INQUIRER FILES KIDAPAWAN CITY —The City Agriculture Office (CAO) here has intensified its distribution of free vegetable seedlings to ensure food security in anticipation of the onslaught of El Niño starting next month. Marisa Aton, City Agriculture Office (CAO) chief, said that P116,000 worth of seeds had been purchased and distributed for free starting last month to different schools, community gardens, and interested groups or individuals. To date, the CAO served at least 298 walk-in clients from 40 villages and 13 schools across the city. Article continues after this advertisement READ: PH braces for severe El Niño seen to last until 2027 Each recipient received eight packs of vegetable seeds: ampalaya, eggplant, bottled gourd (Upo), string beans, upland kangkong, squash, tomato, and pechay. These vegetables, Aton stressed, can survive high temperatures as long as they are watered every day. Aton said the program has received positive response from residents as well as village and school officials, as it will benefit their learners and constituents once El Niño is experienced in the city in August. “It could be a big help in securing food during El Niño to ensure that no Kidapaweños will experience an empty stomach due to hunger,” Aton said. Article continues after this advertisement The city agriculturist also encourages those living in subdivisions to also prepare for the dry spell by planting vegetables in vacant lots, flower pots, or empty bottles. Aton assured Kidapaweños that their office has enough vegetable seeds for distribution, noting they still have P300,000 for purchase in case stocks run out. Article continues after this advertisement “Nothing to worry because the city government has enough funds for our food security program,” Aton said. Aton disclosed that aside from free vegetable seeds, their office has also facilitated the distribution of cassava cuttings for registered single-parent beneficiaries. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. At least 100 single parents have already availed of and planted the cassava cuttings in their respective villages, Aton said./coa