APO turns over GAP PPEs to CAFAMCO members

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 13 (PIA)–The Agricultural Productivity Office (APO) turned over P20,000 worth of personal protective equipment (PPE) to support Canitoan Farmers Cooperative (CAFAMCO) in promoting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in their respective farms at Faborada Farm in Barangay Canitoan, here.

The distribution was led by APO in partnership with LANDCARE Philippines together with the farmers of CAFAMCO.

The GAP-PPE includes a stainless sink to be used for hand washing, masks, boots, aprons, rubber gloves, and other PPEs. If an emergency arises in the field, a fire extinguisher and first-aid kits were also included in the package.

Archie Alamban, one of the APO’s community coordinators, said GAP should be of utmost importance to both farmers and consumers, “Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) yields high, consistent, and safe productivity with minimal detrimental impact to the Environment.”

Under GAP, strict working conditions are encouraged to ensure farmer and farm worker safety. In this time of pandemic, wearing of PPE’s shouldn’t be limited to health workers but also including people under food production.

Meanwhile, Lucas Faborada, president of CAFAMCO, recognized the city’s efforts in promoting farm and food safety. He said these tools and equipment are of big help in keeping their produce fit and healthy for consumption.

The project started early last year together with various stakeholders in promoting safe standards in agricultural production. The assistance of PPEs is a part of the city’s effort in keeping the food safe for everyone and ensure worker’s welfare under hazardous working conditions in this time of pandemic. (APO/PIA10)