In the prevailing spirit of bayanihan amid the country’s fight against the new coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, SeedWorks Philippines is donating P1M in cash and kind to Covid-19 relief efforts.
The bulk of the donation—worth P750,000—will be in the form of high-quality sweet corn seeds in support of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) ‘Plant, Plant, Plant’ program also dubbed as ‘Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat (ALPAS) Laban sa Covid-19,’ which is aimed at farmers and consumers nationwide.
The sweet corn seeds will be turned over to DA’s regional fields in targeted local government units (LGUs) in CALABARZON, Bicol, Bukidnon, Agusan del Sur, and Davao beginning in the April 20 week. SeedWorks is donating seeds of its popular sweet corn variety that is characterized to be early-maturing (can grow and yield a harvest in just about 60 to 75 days) and can be cultivated in the current climate.
Plant, Plant, Plant is the centerpiece program of DA to ensure sustained food production, availability, and affordability throughout the Covid-19 crisis.
“We are heeding the government’s call for modern technology and intensified use of high-quality seeds to bolster food productivity amidst the current threat of the Covid-19 pandemic,” said SeedWorks Philippines VP for Sales Remus Morandante. “Our sweet corn seeds can easily grow even in one’s backyard with little or no farming skills required. The variety is also tolerant to major diseases, produces cobs with long ears, and yields very sweet kernels.”
Why sweet corn?
Corn makes an excellent staple food especially in times of crisis. Aside from having dietary fiber that curtails hunger for a longer period and being a rich source of carbohydrates (86 calories per 100 grams, higher compared to vegetables), its nutritional value can never be underestimated as it provides important minerals that the body requires like copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc. It also contains valuable B-complex group of vitamins—folates, niacin, pyridoxine, thiamin, and riboflavin—that pair with necessary enzymes during the body’s metabolism process.
Furthermore, corn also provides vitamins C, E, and A (in the form of beta carotene) as well as antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that help protect the system against diseases. It even reduces the risks of Type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, and cardiovascular conditions.
Cash donation
At the same time, SeedWorks Philippines is donating P250,000 cash to GMA Kapuso Foundation’s ‘Operation Bayanihan: Labanan and Covid-19’ program, which is generating funds to aid health front liners, border-quarantine personnel, and families that have lost income due to the ongoing enhanced community quarantine implemented in Metro Manila and the entire Luzon.
“The amount is comprised of monetary donation from the company and voluntary dole-outs from our staff nationwide,” said SeedWorks Philippines Finance and Admin Manager Noriel Aviñante. “We hope these donations could help our fellowmen especially during these trying times.”