Valenzuela launches Halina't Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay 

Today, February 28, 2023, the city of Valenzuela launched the "Halina't Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay" (HAPAG) sa Barangay Project in response to the issue of hunger, following the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular No. 2023-001. The launch was held at the 3S Center Ugong and was led by Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja, Coun. Jon Jon Bartolome, Liga ng mga Barangay President, and Kagawad Michael Mayol, Samahan ng mga Barangay Kagawad (SABAK) Valenzuela President.

Several dignitaries also attended the program, including Hon. Ziffred Ancheta, NCR President, Liga ng mga Barangay; Francis Martinez, Director III/Metro Parkways Clearing Group Head, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA); Engr. Ignacio Almira Jr., Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) NCR Assistant Regional Director; Dir. Atty. Analyn Baltazar-Cortez, CESO V, DILG-NCR Assistant Regional Director; Ferdinand Buendia, DILG Office of the Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs; and Evangeline Medean, Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI).

The HAPAG sa Barangay Project aims to promote urban agriculture and food security by encouraging residents to grow their own fruits and vegetables. The program provides starter kits, which include seeds, fertilizers, and gardening tools, to households interested in participating.

During the launch, Vice Mayor Borja emphasized the importance of community involvement in addressing issues of hunger and food security. She also expressed her gratitude to the various government agencies and organizations that supported the program.

The HAPAG sa Barangay Project is just one of the city's initiatives to combat hunger and promote sustainable living. The city also has a food bank program and a composting project, which encourages residents to turn their organic waste into fertilizer for their plants.