After the temporary closure of non-essential establishments in NCR, unemployment rate and food insecurity were elevated -- particularly in Cavite, Laguna and Rizal provinces. The provinces have been placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) due to the recent surge of COVID-19 cases. In effect, food budget are directly affecting food quality choices in families affected by the lockdown.
To determine the impact of the current situation, an interview was conducted with Ms. Agnes Gadaza, one of the beneficiaries of the second tranche of SAP in Barangay Prinza, Teresa, Rizal. She said, “Efficient food budgeting is crucial in this time of crisis and it is important to purchase highly nutritious food for all the members of the family to stay healthy.
In a similar manner, all other program beneficiaries of SAP are strongly urged by NNC Calabarzon to carry-out innovative ways of utilizing cash subsidies through the purchase of cost-effective yet nutrient-dense food items to enhance the family’s immune system and as preventive measure against diseases such COVID-19.
The DOH and other health-related agencies are also continuously promoting the consumption of healthy diet during emergencies. NNC recommends providing the family with adequate nutrition which comprise of consuming variety of foods from different food groups, eating more fruits and vegetables to get essential vitamins and minerals and limiting intake of low-salt and low-fat food.
To sustain food supply, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has been administering the distribution of vegetable and fruit seeds for home food production/gardening. It will also ensure access to healthy diet especially those people residing in rural areas.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), these are the major fruit crops in 2021 of April to June: banana, calamansi, mango and pineapple; while the major vegetables crops are ampalaya fruit, cabbage, cassava, eggplant, mung bean/mongo, onion, potato, sweet potato, and tomato.
To further maximize the use of the cash subsidy from SAP, it is best for the program beneficiaries to consider the purchase of available fruits and vegetables this summer, which are now sold at lower prices in local farmer’s market.
The Social Amelioration Program (SAP) aims to grant emergency assistance amounting to P5,000.00 to P8,000.00 monthly, for two months, for low-income families during the pandemic. The first wave of cash subsidy of the program has already been disseminated last 2020. Thus far, the second tranche of financial assistance (amounting to P1,000.00 per member, and maximum P4,000.00 for families with four members and above) is expected to roll out on second quarter of the year 2021.
By: Darrenz William M. Mateos
