By Donna Stephanie Claire Agcambot and Myque Rollon/UM Interns
THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture XI pushed for traditional food for the youth by utilizing available produce in time for the Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino.
Dr. Melinda Rubillano, DA XI supervising agriculturist, said the Filipino Food Month is the ideal time to raise awareness of traditional food, considering the popularity of fast-food chains, canned, and instant food.
“At times, yung traditional food natin, makikita o matitikman nalang natin pagka bumabalik tayo sa mga local communities natin (At times, we see or are able to eat traditional food whenever we go back to our local communities),” Rubillano said.
One problem she sees is the lack of traditional food in urban areas where the younger generations live. As a result, they are not exposed and have not developed a taste for vibrant Filipino cuisine.
So, the DA XI worked with the Department of Education to distribute free seedlings in schools to motivate students and the community to start planting as part of the “Gulayan sa Paaralan” program.
Rubillano hoped the program would help promote backyard gardening among households.
