Petition: Laguna Govt to Issue E.O. Ordering LGUs to procure all Farm Produce from Lagunense Farmers

Hon. Gov. Ramil L. Hernandez
Provincial Governor
Province of Laguna

Dear Gov. Hernandez:

Greetings of Health and Peace!

This is to respectfully request to your good office, through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist to formulate and issue a policy ordering all the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Laguna to prioritize purchase of crop and livestock produce from Lagunense Farmers, and incorporate these produce to local relief programs.

As we all know, our local farmers are some of our most important frontliners amidst this COVID-19 pandemic; and among others, are very vulnerable in this trying times. Moreso, for the longest time, the sector of agriculture in the Philippines is 'crying' for concrete support and continuous improvement (modernization, human resource development, policy developments, etc.). I personally believe that the current administration is doing its very best to make Laguna farmers empowered, and to genuinely uplift themselves from impoverishment.

Now, in this aggressive pandemic, our Lagunense brothers and sisters--the farmers need us more than ever.

Honorable Governor, can we "utilize" of this crisis to show how we really care for our local agricultural sector, as well as our farmers? Let us formulate a mechanism to legally purchase their produce, help them sustain their livelihoods, and inspire them to continue their noble works, especially at present where we badly needed to ensure sustainable production of healthy, affordable and safe food. From my perspective, an Executive Order ordering all Laguna LGUs is a concrete stepping stone.

If only your office can issue such order, it will now become a strong push factor for the province, alongside all the coordinating LGUs to once again support our local farmers. Through this, we can at least attempt to help lighten farmers entrepreneurial burden, and help in the distribution of food supply in the region. In addition, I strongly believe that the policy can even make way for Lagunenses households to maintain balanced diets, thus guarding each and everyone's nutrition.

Finally, It is recognized that pursuing this mode of support for farmers is not the end-all and be-all of this pandemic. But then, as we advocate for better ecosystem in the local agricultural system, such petition will surely be of great help.

I do hope that this petition will be heard. Above all, we must work hand in hand in proactively responding to this pandemic, and ensuring that no sector will be left behind.

Thank you very much and more power!

Respectfully yours,

Justin Paolo Interno,
a Lagunense and Licensed Agriculturist
City of San Pedro, Laguna