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The Iloilo City Government has revived its community
kitchens to support vulnerable sectors and cushion the impact of the ongoing
Middle East conflict on the prices of basic commodities.
Originally launched during the height of the COVID-19
pandemic, the initiative is now being reactivated, with pilot implementation
planned in selected barangays across the city.
“We will finalize with our Crisis Management Council
which barangays will be recommended,” said Mayor Raisa Treñas. “Dasigon naton
ang aton mga programa kay ang pinaka importante subong, may makaon guid.”
The Crisis Management Council convened last week to
discuss conservation measures, strategic protocols, and response mechanisms.
Key components of the community kitchen program were also tackled, including
budget allocation, menu planning, equipment requirements, and the
district-based deployment of resources and personnel.
The mayor reiterated the initiative during the kickoff
of the Filipino Food Month celebration held at the Iloilo Terminal Public
Market on Monday, April 6. She emphasized that programs like the community
kitchens and food-related initiatives directly benefit local farmers by cutting
out intermediaries and creating more direct market access.
“Daku guid ini nga bulig, labi na gid kay
gina-highlight naton ang local,” she added.
She also noted that city-led initiatives such as
Merkado Lokal and mall-based exhibits have contributed to the expansion of
agricultural areas within Iloilo City. Land cultivated for rice and vegetables
has increased to 200 hectares this year, up from 150 hectares last year.
During the pandemic, local farmers played a crucial
role in sustaining the community kitchens by donating produce, which was
prepared and distributed through the efforts of volunteers and city workers.
This spirit of promoting local food systems and
sustainability was echoed by Dr. Ivan Anthony Henares, Secretary-General of the
UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, during the opening ceremony of
the Filipino Food Month celebration.
“Together, we are answering a vital question: How can
we serve accessible, healthier, and dignified meals that reflect our values and
enrich our souls?” he said.
The Filipino Food Month celebration is made possible
through the collaborative efforts of the National Commission for Culture and
the Arts, UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, Philippine Culinary
Heritage Movement, Department of Tourism Region VI, Department of Agriculture
Region VI, and the Iloilo City Government.