MANILA -- Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar on Monday assured the public that operations in the agriculture and fisheries sectors, as well as transport of goods to and from Metro Manila, will remain unhampered.

During the Network Briefing News, Secretary Dar assured the National Capital Region (NCR) of a steady food supply.

“Let me take this opportunity na paalalahanan natin ang mga magsasaka’t mangingisda, tsaka the public that even with the lockdown coming ay tuluy-tuloy po ang ating pagsasaka, tuluy-tuloy po ang ating pangingisda, at tsaka pagnenegosyo [Let me take this opportunity to remind our farmers, fisherfolks and the public that even with the anticipated lockdown, operations in the agriculture and fishery will continue. Their business will also remain operational],” he told host Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar.

“Hindi po ma-hamper yan kasi gusto natin na yung mga produce na yan ay madala sa merkado na mababa at resonable po ang mga presyo [This will remain unhampered because we want their produce to reach the markets at affordable and reasonable prices],” Secretary Dar added.

Due to the threat of the COVID-19 Delta variant, Metro Manila will be shifting to Enhanced Community Quarantine, the strictest quarantine measure, starting August 6 until August 20, 2021. Under ECQ only identified essential industries will be allowed to operate.

On the same program, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur Mayor Pauline Marie Masendo also sat as a guest where she sought updates on the projects they have for their farmers there, including provision of farm-to-market roads and additional livelihood training and opportunities.

According to Mayor Masendo, the town is a producer of corn, rice, rubber, and coconut. These projects would be of great help for their farmers and high-value crops producers especially in generating more income.

Secretary Dar responded with updates that their proposed FMR projects have been listed for funding under the 2022 budget. He also urged Mayor Masendo to consult the DA's regional office in Butuan City for available livelihood projects that they can avail.

PCOO Secretary Andanar also committed to helping the municipality endorse their proposed projects to concerned agencies.

“Talaga namang dapat magtinabangay ta para sa atong pag-asenso [Let’s help one another for progress and development],” Secretary Andanar said. (PCOO)