DILG REGION 2, TUGUEGARAO CITY – On July 12, 2021, DILG R2 through the Finance and Administrative Division formally implemented its “SMART” program. Standing for “Support Mechanism in Addressing Restrictions in Times of the Global Pandemic/New Normal”, the program is a food sufficiency initiative patterned after the popular folk song Bahay Kubo. Conceptualized by Assistant Regional Director, Elpidio A. Durwin, it aims to ensure ample supply of safe and nutritious food for all DILG R2 personnel during the pandemic.

The program has two (2) components; first, the adoption and maintenance of an area for vegetable gardening by the different operating units of the regional office in the vicinity. Second is home gardening, where employees and personnel are encouraged to cultivate their vegetable gardens at their respective places.A buddy system has also been adopted to ensure that areas assigned for gardening are well kept and maintained.

To date, the initiative has supplied fresh garden vegetables bounties such as pechay, okra, alugbati, kangkong and camote tops to employees and personnel who have toiled and tended to their gardens.Indeed this program is a smart way to promote a stronger sense of creativity, employee engagement and a resilient food system in the workplace. (SOURCE: FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION)