Iloilo town ready to boost vegetable supply amid fuel price concerns
ILOILO CITY — The local government of Alimodian is prepared to help meet Western Visayas’ vegetable demand, particularly for high-value crops, if supply disruptions occur due to rising fuel prices.
Municipal agriculturist Chyta Calibayan said the town’s “Seven Cities,” a cluster of upland barangays, continues to produce a steady volume of vegetables as farming remains a primary source of livelihood in the area.
She assured that the municipality is ready to coordinate with buyers and stakeholders to facilitate the delivery of produce whenever needed.
Western Visayas currently sources part of its vegetable supply from Luzon and nearby Negros Island, making it vulnerable to transport cost increases.
To support local farmers, the Alimodian government assists in hauling produce every Monday and Thursday to nearby markets, including Leon town, Iloilo City, and the Bayanihan Tipon Center. Some private traders also transport goods directly to the Iloilo Terminal Market.
At present, the Seven Cities cluster can supply up to five tons of fresh vegetables weekly, with output supported by favorable climate conditions and greenhouse facilities provided by the Department of Agriculture.
Calibayan said the town is also encouraging farmers in District 7 to plant high-value crops to further boost production. This expansion could add up to three tons, increasing Alimodian’s total weekly supply capacity to around eight tons.
Meanwhile, Mayor Ian Kenneth Alfeche said the local government has activated contingency measures following the declaration of a national energy emergency by Ferdinand Marcos Jr..
He noted that the municipality has convened key offices to assess possible interventions, including assistance for sectors that may be affected by rising fuel costs such as transport workers, farmers, small vendors, and low-income households.
The local government has also mobilized its Local Price Coordinating Center to monitor the supply and prices of basic commodities and prevent hoarding.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency - PR
