In a continued effort to promote sustainable agriculture and strengthen local food systems, the Department of Agriculture (DA) National and DA Region VI convened a strategic meeting on the implementation of the ๐๐๐ซ๐จ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐ ๐จ๐จ๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฃ๐๐๐ญ (๐๐๐) ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ค๐ฅ๐๐ง on July 23, 2025, at ASU-AVR, Banga, Aklan.
The activity gathered key stakeholders from the Department of Agriculture Central Office (DA CO), DA Regional Field Office VI (DA RFO VI), Aklan State University (ASU), Provincial Government of Aklan (PLGU), and the Municipal Government of Malay (MLGU) to align local actions with national priorities for food security and market access.
To open the meeting, University President, Dr. Jeffrey A. Clarin, welcomed the participants and emphasized the universityโs support for advancing agricultural innovation and food resiliency in the region.
An overview of the Zero Kilometer Food Project was presented by Atty. Joycel R. Panlilio, DA Assistant Secretary for High-Value Crops, Sagip Saka, and Intellectual Property. Atty. Panlilio discussed the goals of the project, which include minimizing food transport distances, and empowering local farmers by establishing direct farm-to-market linkages, particularly in priority areas such as the island of Boracay, Malay, Aklan.
The program proceeded with a discussion and open forum, allowing representatives from the DA CO, DA RFO VI, ASU, PLGU Aklan, and MLGU Malay to collaboratively identify opportunities and challenges in localizing the implementation of the 0KM Food Project. Key concerns were raised and addressed during the session.
Also in attendance were Aklan Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Alexys T. Apolonio, representatives from LGU Malay, university officials, and faculty and staff from ASU. They expressed their full support for the initiative and emphasized the vital role of collaboration between academic institutions and local government units in advancing sustainable and inclusive food systems. By having research partnerships and joint initiatives, they highlighted the potential to enhance and further develop the implementation of the Zero Kilometer Food Project.
To formally close the meeting, Director Dennis R. Arpia, Regional Executive Director of DA RFO VI, expressed his gratitude to all partner institutions and encouraged continuous collaboration to ensure the success and sustainability of the Zero Kilometer initiative in Western Visayas.
The meeting marks a significant step toward building a more localized, inclusive, and environmentally responsible food system, one that brings farmers and consumers closer, both geographically and economically.
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