Thus, farmers were aptly called the “new heroes” by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) which extolled the sacrifices farmers are doing at the frontlines. ADVERTISEMENT“The agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) are the new heroes during this time of pandemic… Without them, there can be no food on our tables,” Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones said during the distribution of farm productivity assistance held in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya last June 5. “Since no vaccine has been discovered yet against the COVID-19 virus, hence, our farmers and ARBs literally became our savior,” he added. During the event, Castriciones led the distribution of farm inputs to beneficiaries, consisting of seedlings, fertilizers, pesticides, and farm tools. With the help of Task Group on Food Security (TGFS) with multiple NGO initiatives to help farmers reach consumers, a rise in locally-sourced food can be expected.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer June 09, 2020 07:30 UTC