SAMAR, May 02, 2021 – Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program farmers’ associations joined a provincial-wide agricultural festival in Samar showcasing their agricultural produce in celebration of the National Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Month.

The Samar Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) through the Provincial Tourism Office and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist initiated the “Tabo in the City. Pa–Merkado” fair to showcase local farmers’ products.

The activity coincided with the Samar Province Food Month celebration, featuring agricultural products locally grown and sourced. The combined festivals were held at the Capitol Grounds, Imelda Park, Catbalogan City from April 28 to May 2.

The festival featured one large consolidated farmers’ market, along with live music, crafts, non–profit showcase, educational exhibits, and wholesome family activities. It is also a celebration of thanksgiving for farmers and other stakeholders for the blessings of a bountiful harvest.

The SAAD Samar team readily mobilized the program beneficiaries to display and sell their poultry products during the five–day celebration.

Twenty-five (25) associations from different areas in the province participated in the farmers’ market fair. From this, five SAAD associations answered the call of the organizers and brought their products to the mounted SAAD booth.

They are Mahayagnon Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative from Catbalogan City; Cantongtong United Youth Association from Jiabong; Cantongtong Agrarian Rice Farmers Association from Jiabong; San Jose de Buan Integrated Farmers Association from San Jose de Buan; and Hilaba Farmers Association from Marabut.

Among the products displayed were table eggs, salted eggs, and pop-rice produced by Cantongtong Agrarian Rice Farmers Association, a recipient of farm machinery and equipment as well as Swine Production Project.

Moreover, Provincial Agriculturist (PA) Anita Taran and Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Reynaldo Robin said, “Ha amon pakig–atubang han mga parag–uma, mahinungdanon an katititrok kay dinhi namon na–istoryahan ug natagan hin tukib nga pagtagad an mga isyu mahiunong han ira pag–uma.” (In our dialogue with the farmers, it was a significant event because it was there that issues in farming were discussed and given due attention/consideration.)

Through the PLGU and SAAD’s commitment to extend every assistance they can provide to help the marginalized farmers, even the most isolated barangay and coastal areas were visited by the staff to render assistance and monitor farmers’ groups to aid them in marketing their products in the tabo.

According to PA Taran, the event was successful. With that, they are now looking into conducting regular features of agricultural products from local farmers possibly every Saturday. ###

Writers:

Joel D. Pedraza, APCO/SAAD Program Focal Person for Samar

Kristine Dorothea T. Danago, Provincial Coordinator, PPMSO–Samar