In photo: Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar (right)
SM Supermalls, in a first-of-its-kind partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Resto PH, an association of restaurant owners, is all set to support Filipino farmers and restaurants that have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis with its joint project, “Farmers’ Produce,” while offering mallgoers a farm-to-table experience from July 3 to 5 at the SM Aura Premier Skypark Lawn.
Through Farmers’ Produce, various SM malls nationwide will be selling local produce to help jumpstart the country’s agriculture and restaurant industry in a sustainable and socially responsible manner. These include vegetables, fruits, herbs and seedlings, dairy products, condiments and seasonings, local drinks, and meat products.
“Many individuals and businesses have felt the economic impact of the current pandemic. This project will allow our shoppers to enjoy fresh and organic products, while helping farmers, small communities, and local restaurants get back on their feet as the country adapts to the new normal,” said Steven Tan, SM Supermalls president.
Resto PH's restaurants will also be selling special menu items using the local products at the launch at SM Aura Premier. Eric Teng, president of Resto PH and Mango Tree Restaurants, and Bambi Del Rosario-Young, owner of Icebergs, said that restaurants are a big buying block of the produce to help local farmers who have been unable to sell their harvests during the past few months due to the closure of numerous food establishments.
Farmers of the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita program
“The farms have the produce and the restaurants are reopening – we just wanted to connect the two. The malls provide the venue because they have the most space. When you have the space, the farms, and the restaurants can work together to help each other out,” said Teng.
“Being a part of this event also shows Icebergs’ support for local businesses and in turn help rebuild the economy in our small way,” said Del Rosario-Young.
As part of the event, the chefs of Mango Tree Bistro will be creating new dishes using local produce, while Icebergs will be selling their special desserts with fruits and other ingredients sourced from the farmers.
Aside from Mango Tree Bistro and Icebergs, other participating restaurants at the event include Mamou, Genki Sushi, King Chef, Scouts Honor, Pizza Express, and Monga.
To ensure everyone’s safety at the weekend market, social distancing and safety practices will be strictly observed.
Farmers’ Produce is part of the government’s Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Program, the flagship market development program of DA. More Farmers’ Produce events will be held in SM malls throughout the year.
For more information, visit www.smsupermalls.com. To get the latest updates, follow SM Supermalls on all social media platforms: @smsupermalls.
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