CH hosts agri-bonanza for farmers

CEBU, Philippines — To recognize the contributions of the farmers to the economy, the Cebu City government organized the “Agri-Bonanza 2019” yesterday.

City Agriculturist Joelito Baclayon said for the past 10 years, the city has always dedicated a day solely for the farmers to make them feel that they are an important component to the city’s economy. 

He said the farmers contributed at least 30 percent of the city’s market.

At least 28 rural barangays in the city participated in the event. The activities include booth display contest, float parade contest, cooking contest, dance contest, and flower arrangement contest.

Baclayon said the booth contest, where 26 barangays joined, is one program in line with the alternative marketing.

Through the booth, the participants are not only showing their indigenous way of living and displaying their products, such as flowers, fruits, and vegetables, but are also selling these at the same time.

Baclayon also expressed his amusement because the participants are indeed improving each year. “Nagkadugay, nagkamaayo ang mga presentation,” he said.

The winners for the booth contest will receive P75,000; P70,000; and P50,000 for the grand winner, first and second runners-up, respectively.

The winners for the float contest will receive P100,000; P75,000, and P50,000 for the grand winner, first runner-up, and second runner-up, respectively. The judging for the two competitions was held yesterday.

Baclayon said the city government has allocated programs for the benefit of the farmers. He said farmers are being taught of good agricultural practices like using fertilizers and pesticides in a “judicious manner.”

“Naa sad organic agriculture diin gitudloan sila sa paggamit sa resources nga naa pud diha sa palibot aron dili na sila mopalit og mga commercial nga gamit para sa pagpatubo,” said Baclayon.

“Atong gi-develop pud ang ilang patubigan kay mao man nay problema gyud,” he added.

According to Baclayon, their goal is to produce programs that are reasonable, accurate, and efficient that will never create a negative impact to the environment.  FPL (FREEMAN)