The municipality of Tampakan which is known as one of the largest copper resources in the Philippines prioritized vegetable cultivation to ensure food security. Truly, efforts have been fruitful since it will be a big help especially during this pandemic crisis caused by Coronavirus-19 (CoViD-19). In relevance to the first message of the Nutrition Cluster Advisory No. 1 s. 2020 or the Nutrition Cluster Guidelines on LGU Nutrition Actions Relative to COVID-19 which is to promote good nutrition by emphasizing to the general public the importance of eating a variety of nutritious foods consistent with the Ten Kumainments to help to naturally strengthen the body’s immune system against COVID-19, the local government unit of Tampakan through the initiative of the Municipal Mayor, Hon. Leonard T. Escobillo included vegetables in their food packs along with canned goods, noodles and rice. The first batch yield 3,500 packs which consist of vegetables like Talong, Okra, Kalabasa, Ampalaya, Radish, Sayote and Upo which was already distributed to 5 barangays of the municipality.

The second batch yield 510 packs to be given to Brgy. Poblacion which includes vegetables like Sitaw, Talong, Pipino, Upo and Kalabasa. Moreover, as one of the preventive measures during this situation, to stay at home or at work, the LGU rented a dorm for Tampakeños working in Koronadal City and are also given vegetables. The said vegetables were purchased by the market vendors from the local farmers and bought by the LGU.

The National Nutrition Council encourages all other LGUs to replicate the initiative of LGU Tampakan. As today’s situation intensifies, eating vegetables along with other nutritious foods and having a healthy lifestyle will keep our immune system to function optimally. (RAL,AMF,AML)