Photo courtesy of Perla Lena/PNA
The local government of Alimodian, a town in Iloilo, said it is prepared to supply large volumes of vegetables to Western Visayas if shipments from other regions are disrupted by higher fuel prices.
Alimodian Agriculturist Chyta Calibayan told reporters on Thursday that the Seven Cities, a cluster of mountainous barangays, continue to produce high-value crops that serve as the livelihood of local farmers.
She added that buyers needing vegetables can coordinate with local authorities to facilitate deliveries.
Western Visayas normally sources vegetables from Luzon and nearby Negros Island, but Alimodian has been helping farmers transport their produce to markets in Leon town, Iloilo City, and the Bayanihan Tipon Center.
On Mondays and Thursdays, fresh produce is hauled from the highland barangays, while some private traders bring their harvest directly to the Iloilo Terminal Market.
Calibayan said the Seven Cities can currently supply up to five tons of vegetables weekly, with two government-supported greenhouses helping maintain year-round production.
To expand output, local officials plan to encourage farmers in District 7 to plant high-value crops, aiming to add about three tons weekly and raise Alimodian’s total supply to eight tons.
Mayor Ian Kenneth Alfeche said the municipal government has activated contingency plans following the declaration of a national energy emergency, including monitoring prices of basic goods and preparing support for affected sectors such as farmers, public utility vehicle drivers, small vendors, and indigent residents.
