IN an effort to help Davao and its people recover from the effects of the pandemic, Damosa Land Inc. (DLI), through its corporate social responsibility arm Damosa Land Cares, has launched agriculture-centric community programs designed to uplift and sustain the livelihood of the region's workforce.

Striving to aid the recovery of Davao's economy through its agricultural expertise, DLI developed farm-to-community projects centered on championing countryside development and supporting local SMEs and farmers. These initiatives, such as DLI's small-scale farmer partnerships and green market, provide opportunities for the region's farmers to bounce back from the effects of the pandemic and for the communities to be encouraged to consume fresh produce.

"The Covid-19 pandemic has posed various challenges to our region's workforce. As we continue to recover, Damosa Land endeavors to become an avenue for people to regain their livelihoods and to help build healthier communities by fully utilizing the key to the region's growth, agriculture," Ricardo Lagdameo, president of DLI, said.

DLI said it has always been proud of its heritage rooted in agriculture. As the company continues to honor this industry, its social responsibility arm also seeks to support the farmers who are responsible for cultivating the lands of Davao and who play a very important role in the recovery of the region's economy.

In order to give Davao farmers an avenue to reach a wider market, DLI has established a farm-to-community program that taps small-scale farmers as a source of vegetables and other farm-fresh produce. The program allows Damosa Land to buy crops from farmers in Davao del Norte and sells them at Agriya's Happy Harvest and other DLI communities and commercial spaces.

Apart from helping the farmers, this project also aims to give the communities in Davao convenient and affordable options to consume fresh products without sacrificing their safety. This effort, which was started in April of 2020, will be sustained as long as the farms continue to be productive and there are farmers who need a place to sell their produce.

"With this project, DLI will serve as a bridge to provide assistance to our local farmers to get back on their feet in terms of business. This will give them legs in rebuilding their livelihood that was put to a pause by the pandemic, and also propel the industry's recovery that can lead to the opening up of the region's economy," Lagdameo said.

To further firm up its farm-to-community project, DLI has also partnered with the Association of Davao Organic Advocates (ADOA), and Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita, a group dedicated to selling agricultural goods at reasonable prices, for the Damosa Green Market.

Damosa Green Market is where partner farmers of DLI can sell their produce. The market features a wide array of organic products such as farm-fresh vegetables, seedlings, and potted plants for sale to the community in Lanang.

Apart from boosting partner farmers' income generation, the green market is also set to provide neighboring communities in Davao a safe and convenient centralized space where they can get healthy fresh food options and plants that they can grow in their home garden.

The Damosa Green Market is open from Monday to Saturday at 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visiting customers are required to wear their safety paraphernalia, such as face masks and face shield, and follow the safety protocols implemented by DLI to ensure the safety of everyone in the market.

Read full article on BusinessMirror