The Department of Science and Technology has allotted more than P36 million for projects supporting food security in preparation for post-Covid-19 recovery process, its chief said on Wednesday.
DOST Sec. Fortunato dela Peña said that as of June 8, there are already 27 approved projects under the agency’s “Galing PCAARRD Kontra Covid-19” program, with investments amounting to P36.9M for 2020.
“Most of these projects have a duration of June or July to December 2020 since these are what we call (the) Quick Response Projects in the regions. Four out of the 27 projects have a one year duration, and will be implemented until June or July 2021,” he said.
Dela Peña said that 16 projects were approved last April 30, two last May 19, and nine on May 22.
“Practically, all (these) recently-approved projects would address component 3 of Galing PCAARRD, which is the ‘Pagkain at Kabuhayan sa Pamayanan. This component focuses on food production and livelihood to help improve availability or accessibility of food in the community, as well as provide means for livelihood,” he said.
Component 2 or the “Lingkod Alalay sa Pamayanan”, on the other hand, entails food product distribution to affected communities and front-liners, dela Peña said, adding that Galing PCAARRD’s component 1 or “Teknolohiya-Kaalaman para sa Pamayanan” involves the sharing of technology and information through information, education and communication materials through various platforms.
Dela Peña said the Galing PCAARRD KONTRA Covid-19 initiatives cover almost all regions. However, Regions 5, 6, 7 and 10 have yet to submit proposals to be funded under the program.
“We are in coordination with our regional consortia in those regions with regard to developing proposals or projects that would qualify under the Galing PCAARRD Program,” he said.
According to dela Peña, the approved projects are 14 in Luzon worth P19.9M, two projects in the Visayas worth P3.7M, and 11 in Mindanao worth P13.2M. – PNA release
