In a united effort to promote food security and sustainable agriculture, Victorias City joined the global community in celebrating World Food Day 2024 on Friday, October 11.
Led by Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, the event featured the launch of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo trade fair and the local initiative Project Victory.
Both programs aim to address food accessibility and empower local farmers and fisherfolk, Benitez said.
Benitez, in his speech, highlighted the importance of rethinking food systems to ensure that every household has access to nutritious and affordable food.
“We need to recreate, redesign, and reimagine our food system to be healthy,” he said, underscoring the need for collective efforts in building a sustainable future.
This year’s World Food Day emphasized the critical importance of access to nutritious food as a basic human right, a key factor in ensuring a better life and a better future for all, a press release from Victorias City said.
The Kadiwa ng Pangulo trade fair, a key feature of the celebration, provided a platform for Victorias City’s farmers and fisherfolk to showcase and sell their products directly to consumers, it said.
Organized by the City Agriculture’s Office, the trade fair aims to promote accessibility and affordability of basic food necessities such as fruits, vegetables, and livestock.
DA Region VI Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer Rammy Baylosis said that the Kadiwa ng Pangulo is designed not only to ensure access to high-quality food but also to establish a sustainable market for Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.
As part of the city’s broader food security efforts, Project Victory was launched with the theme “Championing Intergenerational Well-Being for Victoriasanons.”
This initiative seeks to provide farmers and fisherfolk with the tools and opportunities necessary to boost their productivity, improve their livelihoods, and secure the city’s food supply.
Cherrie Atilano, Founding Farmer and CEO of AGREA, highlighted the fundamental role of food security in societal well-being.
“Without proper nutrition, people cannot function properly,” she said, emphasizing how initiatives like Project Victory can create lasting change in communities by ensuring that nutritious food is available to all.
SP Committee Chair on Agriculture, Councilor Deilen Hofileña, said Project Victory is designed for the benefit of all local farmers and fisherfolk, ensuring that their hard work translates to sustained income and community impact.
The event concluded with the signing on a commitment wall, symbolizing the city’s collective dedication to supporting Project Victory and securing a sustainable future for its farmers, fisherfolk, and the entire community. *