CATANDUANES, June 5, 2023 – Four (4) Farmers’ Associations (FAs) from the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Phase 1 collectively earned Php 18,900.00 during the two-day Baras Agro-Tourism Fair 2023 in Baras, Catanduanes on May 10-11, 2023.

Despite program assistance conclusion, and with the efforts to equip FA members to sustain operations led by the DA – Regional Field Office (RFO) 5, small-scale enterprises of the SAAD Program Phase 1 beneficiaries continue, showcasing their products to venues such as agricultural fairs in the province.

The annual trade fair is part of the 126th founding anniversary celebration of the municipality of Baras in Catanduanes. The festival featured diverse agricultural products, aiming at supporting business owners  and small-scale farmers’ better connection to the market.

Among the farmers associations who joined the agro-tourism fair are the Paniquihan Poultry Raisers Association, San Miguel SAAD Duck Raisers Association, San Roque Planters Association, and San Miguel SAAD Vegetable Farmers Association.

Through the agro-tourism fair, the associations were able to showcase their products such as chicken and duck eggs; fresh vegetables like squash, ampalaya, patola, petchay, upo and eggplant; and value-added products like kalabasa leche flan, ginger tea, chili paste, tomato jam, and veggie empanada. With this, the SAAD associations were able to earn Php 18,900.

Table 1. Income generated from agro-fair

The two-day trade fair was initiated by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Baras, through the efforts of its Municipal Agriculture Office, Baras Promotion Tourism Office, and the Department of Trade and Industry’s Negosyo Center.

Meanwhile, to ensure the sustainability of the group, SAAD Bicol endorsed the FAs to the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of Baras for possible collaboration. Further, SAAD implementers from the Regional Program and Provincial Management Support Office of Bicol have committed to provide technical assistance to the beneficiaries, thereby guiding them towards greater sustainability. ###

Writer: Jovinel M. Gianan, DA-SAAD Bicol Information Officer
Sources: Baras Municipal Agriculture Office, Baras Negosyo Center
Photos: DTI Baras Negosyo Center, SAAD San Roque Planters Association, Paniquihan Poultry Raisers Association, San Miguel SAAD Vegetable Farmers Association, San Miguel SAAD Duck Raisers Association