The Province ofCavite is the most urbanized province in Metro Manila's peri-urban
area with an average population growth rate double that of the Philippine average.
Urbanization in this province is taking place in an unplanned way, which impairs the
efficiency of Food Supply and Distribution System (FSDS). This scenario demands a
comprehensive approach which considers food as a central element in the planning
discipline to guarantee the right to food ofthe people.
FSDS involves a combination of activities, functions and relationships from
production up to the marketing of a commodity that allows cities to satisfy their food
requirements. The study focused on the enhancement of the Tomato Supply and
Distribution System (TSDS) in Cavite Province. This necessitates the identification of
strategies as inputs in formulating development and spatial planning agenda based on the
characterization and mapping ofthe TSDS and analysis ofthe system's existing constraints
and opportunities utilizing key performance indicators. The indicators analyzed in the
study included the relationship of TSDS stakeholders (farmers, traders, wholesalers and
retailers); financial capacity of the key TSDS actors; availability of financial and non-
financial incentives; rate of land utilization, and the condition/ appropriateness of
distribution infrastructure.