In light of the growing concerns around coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), Agriculture Secretary William Dar instructed the Department of Agriculture (DA) to immediately craft an action plan on the food availability and supply as a preemptive intervention if in case the situation worsens.

“Let’s have a plan on how to sustain the food supply for Metro Manila initially, and the whole country, eventually,” Dar said on March 11 in Malate, Manila.

The secretary ordered the strategic positioning of food supplies, including rice, to ensure food sufficiency should COVID-19 outbreak disrupts food supply in Metro Manila.

“You have to look at various scenarios. Let us plan proactively and food supply will always be one of those that needs to be properly managed,” Dar said.

Aside from rice, the agri chief added that basic commodities including vegetables, fruits, eggs, fish, pork, among others should also be pre-positioned and be available for immediate deployment to the public.

“We are anticipating something that might cause the disruption of food supply. Strategically positioning means ensuring that supply is available and enough. Sapat ba ang bigas dito sa Metro Manila say, for the next one month?” he said.

Dar reported that the country has sufficient rice inventory, which is good for 80 days. He also assured the public of sufficient food supply as the outbreak persists. ### (Rita dela Cruz, DA-Communications Group)