THE Cebu City Government is planning to increase the production of agricultural products to combat the rising prices of commodities in the market.

Mayor Michael Rama revealed on Tuesday, May 23, the P1 billion available funds under the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) that can be used to increase the production of agriculture and animal husbandry.

“And there is money for that, almost even a billion. That is part if you talk about preparation. I’m pretty sure it’s already there. Five percent of that is for response and preparedness,” Rama stressed.

The Tuesday press conference was held to launch the city’s Food Security Summit, which will gather experts and stakeholders of the agriculture sector to ensure enough food supply in the city.

“That is a very welcome development. That has been a part of what we wish and even addressing El Niño. Even during Covid-19 time, food security to me is very important,” Rama stressed.

Cebu City has 80 barangays of which 28 are located in the mountains which make up 70 percent of the land for agriculture.

Rama claimed that if Cebu City is prosperous, the farmers will be the first to benefit from it because of their high output, enabling them to sell their food and save people from going hungry.

Lawyer Jerone Castillo, head of the City Budget Office and special assistant to the mayor, said the current problem in the country is to combat inflation and the answer to this is to enhance the output of agricultural goods.

For his part, City Administrator Collin Rosell urged the public to work together for the city’s ongoing growth.

“We are urging everyone in Cebu City to assist us in moving forward so that our progress and personal wellness can be achieved,” he said in Cebuano.

Rama said the food security program is a component of his administration’s plan to transform Cebu City into a Singapore-like city while providing enough food for the present and future generations. (PAC)