FDAI expected a sunny Year 2020, with several program/project activities scheduled for implementation. But like other organizations these times, FDAI has been slowed down by the COVID-19 pandemic. Like other organizations, FDAI has to revise its workplan for 2020 as the Enhanced Community Quarantine being put in place forced the postponement of major activities; which has repercussions on activities scheduled for the rest of the year.
Organic Black Rice Ready For Harvest
While it is a given that program/project implementation are being delayed, the Organic Black Rice Export Program of FDAI took a significant beating. FDAI is supposed to buy the fresh harvest of its organic black rice farmer-partners at P40.00 a kilo had all the necessary documentations and required accreditation been accomplished. The purported buying price is not possible this time as the Third-Party Certifying Body cancelled the technical visits to Agusan del Sur. While FDAI still buys the harvest of its farmer-partners at a price higher than what prevails in the market, the price is far less than the P40.00 per kilo. With the world economy in shambles, it is uncertain when the Organic Black Rice Export Program will be back in course.
Hygeia Organiques Is Supposed To Open Last Month. It Is Still Under Construction.
While suffering setbacks, FDAI is not losing heart. Here are some updates on how FDAI navigates the challenging situation:
- FDAI adopts a hybrid approach
Employees of FDAI are advised to Work From Home. For employees who need to report to the office or workplaces are advised to exercise extra care and are provided with service vehicle if and when practicable.
FDAIers On The Go…
FDAI requires employees to strictly comply with the orders of authorities. Hence, requirements like Food Pass and Quarantine Pass are secured first before employees are allowed to go where needed.
- FDAI supports the frontliners with immune boosters
With the frontliners being exposed to the virus and are spending long hours in the Emergency Operations Center or elsewhere, FDAI provides Salabat (ginger brew) for their consumption. Of the several products of FDAI, Salabat is the main choice because of its properties that are helpful to the frontliners. Ginger of course have been known to relieve respiratory illnesses.
- FDAI provides PPEs for frontliners
Having health programs but without enough knowledge about COVID-19, FDAI decided not to have direct participation in response activities. The decision was also partly based on the fact that some officers of FDAI had to undergo Self-Home Quarantine after recent travels to COVID-19 positive areas.
FDAI then decided to just provide PPEs to frontliners, the kinds that are very essential in the fight. Up to this time though, FDAI is still negotiating with suppliers.
- FDAI Engages in IEC Campaigns
Using the Social Media and SMS, FDAI reaches out to its community leaders to provide relevant information about COVID-19. Knowing that comics-type information materials are more useful if children are the targets, FDAI printed the information materials produced by a partner and distributed copies to communities where it has organized children’s organizations.
- FDAI participates in Webinar on Children Protection
Acknowledging the lack of knowledge and experience needed during this challenging situation, FDAI participates in Webinar on Children Protection During the Enhanced Community Quarantine. The activity is part of the activities of the newly-launched CyberSafe Schools Project of FDAI.
- FDAI organizes relief operations
It has been a practice of FDAI to reach out to communities in Agusan Marsh whenever there is a disaster in the area. With the help of its partners – specifically Kindernothilfe Germany/Philippines and University of the Immaculate Post-Graduate School stakeholders, FDAI managed to provide support to those in dire need in the past.
In this COVID-19 pandemic, FDAI will also extend a helping hand to Agusan Marsh communities. It targets all members of its organized Self-Help Groups in the Municipalities of San Francisco, Talacogon, La Paz, and Esperanza. For now, there is a commitment from Non-Timber Forest Products – Asia and Pamulaan Center for Indigenous Peoples Education for this initiative. There is also commitment from FDAI Trustees and Managers for this initiative.