VIRAC, Catanduanes (PIA) - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) recently launched the "Halina't Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay (HAPAG) sa Barangay Project."

According to DILG Provincial Director Uldarico Razal, the project, which was carried out in collaboration with the Catanduanes Provincial Agricultural and Services Office (PASO), was one of the endeavors of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) under the administration of President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Jr. The main objective of this initiative is to tackle the issue of hunger and guarantee food security throughout the nation.

The program also aims to encourage every barangay to have sustainable agriculture. Razal expressed hope the program will have a "domino effect" to the economy and  to the daily life of every Filipino.

The launch took place on Friday, June 23, at the Provincial Showcase Barangay Community Garden located in JMA Poniton, Virac, Catanduanes. This event also marked the simultaneous regional launch of the project.

Other government agencies were also given the opportunity to share their programs and projects to raise the level of awareness of the community.

Present during the launching were PBM Josevan A.  Balidoy who represented Governor Joseph C. Cua and Vice-Governor Peter C. Cua; DILG- Catanduanes PD Uldarico S. Razal, Jr.; Virac Mayor Samuel V. Laynes; Provincial Agriculturist Ace William Tria; DILG Cluster Head William T. Aldea; PIA Catanduanes ICM Edna A. Bagadiong; Provincial Nutrition Officer Maritess M. Curativo; BFAR Head Jorge Camacho; Mr. Roberto Lusuegro of PhilFIDA and Mr Rafael S. Magallanes  of DA in Catanduanes;  representative from DOLE; Poniton Punong Barangay Jocelyn Beo; Sangguniang Barangay and residents of barangay Poniton. (PIA5/Catanduanes)