FOOD SECURITY AMIDST COVID-19: LAUNCHING OF BAGSAKAN SA BANOWA TAMO MARKET

Given the restricted movement of people across borders of the Municipality of Botolan to access basic commodities such as agri-food that are not available in Botolan, there is a need to redirect several food products from Botolan that are usually brought to markets outside of the municipality, to the local market where Botoleños can easily access given the restricted movement of the residents.

The Bagsakan sa Banowa Tamo Market Program is an initiative of the Municipal Price Coordinating Council (MPCC) chaired by Mayor Doris E. Maniquiz to monitor and enforce price freeze of basic commodities, such as agri-food. The undertaking was launched on April 18, 2020 and shall take effect to ensure food security during the COVID Pandemic and maintain fair retail price of products from the local farmers, fisher folks and livestock raisers. The same shall operate daily in the local market in Barangay Batonlapoc from 3:00 to 6:00 AM.

The objectives of the Bagsakan sa Banowa Tamo Market Program:

1. To meet the food needs of the local population during the pandemic;
2. To provide an alternative avenue supporting the local farmers, fisher folks, and livestock raisers to sell their products;
3. To boost local economy observing fair price range
4. To maintain at the minimum but reasonable retail price for locally-produced agri-food
5. To redirect several food products from Botolan that are usually brought to markets outside of the municipality, to the local market where Botoleños can easily access given the restricted movement across the borders of the municipality
6. To control crowd movement in view of COVID-19

The MPCC facilitated a dialogue with the identified wholesalers and dealers of agri-products, who are locally operating in Botolan but cater to other municipalities. The MPCC through Mayor Doris E. Maniquiz explained to them the rationale of the program vis-à-vis their potential to support food security among Botoleños, hence playing a big role in the fight against COVID-19 among Botoleños. With this, they were welcomed to sell their local products and allowed to utilize dedicated market spaces free of charge given that they agree on and follow the MPCC’s established price ceiling.

As of May 10, 2020, almost a month after its implementation, around thirteen (13) small-scale farmers and fisher folks benefited from the program. Meanwhile, apart from the residents from the poblacion barangays, established talipapa vendors from other non-poblacion barangays obtain their goods from the bagsakan in Banowa sa Tamo Market.

Botolan has seen the diverse potential of the concerned agriculture sectors. This collaboration shall continue to assist the LGU in coping up with the huge challenge brought by the pandemic.

Prepared by: LGOO V Shieralyn B. Esteban

Data source:            Business Permits and Licensing Office of Botolan

                                Municipal Price Coordinating Council

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