Grow your own food amid COVID-19: The Department of Agriculture is giving away free seeds

The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) of the Department of Agriculture is giving away free vegetable seeds and seedlings, while the country is under enhanced community quarantine to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

"Happy planting. Stay calm amidst COVID-19 by growing your own healthy food," the BPI said in a Facebook post.

Speaking to GMA News Online, a representative of the BPI said it is giving all sorts of seeds and seedlings including kang kong, okra, pechay, and mustard.

Each interested individual gets 1 set comprised of five different seeds.

The seeds are available for pickup from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in their offices in Quezon City and Malate.

If you're picking them up, BPI is encouraging for you to wear face masks and observe physical distancing.

President Rodrigo Duterte placed the whole Luzon on enhanced community quarantine which started last March 17. It is expected to last until April 13.

On Sunday, the Department of Health reported 343 new cases bringing the total number of cases to 1,418 with 71 deaths and 42 recoveries. — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News