ILOILO City – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. assured the Ilonggos that the province has enough food supply in preparations for an enhanced community quarantine against the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019.
Defensor said on March 19 that according to the provincial agriculture office, rice supply in the province would last six months.
The Provincial Planning and Development Office also reported that grocery stores and pharmacies have sufficient stocks.
“If there will (be) no panic buying, we will not have any problem in our grocery stores,” he said.
The Iloilo Fish Producers Marketing Cooperative, on the other hand, said that brackish water fish production would be enough to cover the needs of the province for the entire year.
Pork and other pork-based products will also be sufficient. The province remains free from African swine fever.
Pharmacies are also confident that their vitamins and maintenance medicines are sufficient, except for Vitamin C, which is being delivered to them weekly.
“Based on the report of our department heads, we need not worry (about) the retail business because our bulk suppliers are comfortable (at) their levels,” Defensor said. “Looking at the figures, I am comfortable.”(With a report from PNA/PN)
