Gov. Ongchuan, provincial officials grace launching of the ‘Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay sa Barangay’ Project

CATARMAN, Northern Samar– Governor Edwin Ongchuan, along with Vice Governor Clarence Dato and Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, in support to the Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay (HAPAG) sa Barangay Project, graced its launching on April 14, 2023 at the Catarman Covered Court during the Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB) Provincial Assembly.

A newly- introduced initiative, DILG Provincial Director Geraldine Maquelabit explained to the LnB members of Northern Samar the rationale behind the project, which does not only aim to promote increased production at the community level, but also prevent malnutrition and stunting of growth among children and the members of the community.

Liga ng mga Barangay Provincial Federation President and ex officio Board Member Beatriz Amande who spearheaded the activity welcomed the barangay chairpersons who attended the Launching and LnB Assembly, as well as the Sangguniang Barangay Committee on Agriculture chairpersons who were likewise invited to the launching.

Component LGUs of Northern Samar expressed their support to the HAPAG Project through the Municipal Liga Presidents. Laoang Mayor Hector Ong was also present, along with Mr. Jayson Santos, Municipal Administrator, representing Lope de Vega Mayor Bobby Saludario who likewise acknowledged the value of the initiative.

On the occasion, the Provincial Government through Dr. Jose Luis Accompaniado, OIC Provincial Agriculturist distributed vegetable seeds and fruit trees seedlings to the barangays through the Municipal ABC Presidents present.

Meanwhile, Mr. Bernard Balanquit, OIC Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, presented the highlights of the proposed ordinance on HAPAG sa Barangay Project for comment and additional inputs of the community through their representation at the barangay.

Governor Edwin Ongchuan, speaking before barangay leaders, stressed the significant role of the Liga ng mga Barangay in pushing for development initiatives in the province. “Ang mabuting pamamahala ay nagsisimula sa ating mga barangay, at ang Punong Barangay ang unang huwaran, sandigan at lingkod para sa ating mga mamamayan. Kayo ang susi para maisakatuparan ang HAPAG sa Barangay Project,” he said.

The ordinance, authored by BM Beatriz Amande, is supported by the Provincial Government and the DILG.(PR)