CATARMAN, Northern Samar (PIA) -- The Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay (HAPAG) program initiated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is making headway as it gained support from the Provincial Government of Northern Samar in its implementation.

Launched in April this year, HAPAG was conceived to address the problem of hunger and food insecurity by empowering the barangays to establish a community garden in at least 200 square meters land area, and  to strengthen their capacities to produce fresh, healthy, and affordable vegetables from the said garden.

Recently, barangays Polangi and Macagtas of Catarman were recognized for showing off their produce from a 5-hectare (Polangi) and 2.5-hectare (Macagtas) community gardens which vary from vegetables, root crops, to fruit-bearing plants, among others.

In support to this initiative, the provincial government enacted Ordinance No. 07, series of 2023, institutionalizing the program, appropriating funds, and giving incentives to the most effective HAPAG practices in barangays of the province.

For its sustenance and maintenance, various government and non-government sectors, particularly agriculture and nutrition action offices, have been enjoined to support the program, to provide trainings, conduct orientation, provide materials and services to the community.

As per DILG records, out of 569 barangays, there were already 534 established HAPAG community gardens in 144,884.25 square meters land area planted, with 4,404 kilograms harvested products.

In his visit, DILG Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Felicito Valmocina, the brains behind the HAPAG, expressed his amazement and appreciation as he personally witnessed the success of the community gardens.

He emphasized the benefits of the community garden to health, economy through enhanced livelihood, and its positive effect to climate change. (MMP/ADiaz/PIA Northern Samar)