The Department of Agriculture (DA) is implementing measures to ensure the unhampered movement of food and agricultural products to Metro Manila under the 30-day community quarantine.
Fast lanes intended for food trucks and delivery vans will be designated in all 65 entry and exit points in Metro Manila.
Agriculture Secretary William Dar told reporters on Monday (March 16) that he already instructed all DA Regional Field Officers to ensure that delivery of food and agricultural products to the National Capital Region (NCR) will not be delayed.
“We are coordinating with all accredited truckers, logistics and refrigerated van operators for the faster passage of agricultural goods,” Dar said.
The DA said they will simplify existing procedures on food lane accreditation of trucks and suppliers delivering to, from, and passing through NCR.
Eligible applicants are those that are duly registered and have valid business permits.
They will need to present the following documents at the checkpoints:
- Official Receipt of Registration (OR) and Certificate of Registration (CR)
- Filled up food lane reference form and sworn statement of commitment
Meanwhile, the DA will setup new drop-off points to where supply from different regions will be delivered.
Also, operations in all fishing ports in Metro Manila will remain in normal operation.
Dar assures there is enough supply of rice for the 30-day quarantine period.
The weekly supply of fish, meat, and vegetables, meanwhile, is more than Metro Manila’s requirement, Dar noted.
