To show appreciation and support to the farmers and fishers for their commitment in ensuring food security, the Province of Siquijor conducted a Farmers and Fisherfolk Month Celebration (FFM)
held recently at the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) in Brgy. Helen, Larena, Siquijor, bringing together key stakeholders and local food producers.
With the theme “Makabagong Magsasaka at Mangingisda: Susi sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas”, the event featured various engaging and community-centered activities, for the farmers and fishers, being the frontline heroes and the backbone of the economy.
“This celebration is our way of expressing our gratitude to our farmers and fisherfolk who are working every day in the fields and seas to help feed the nation,” said Ms. Agnes Guanella Cafe, Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer of the Department of Agriculture – Provincial Agricultural Technology Coordinating Office (DA-PATCO), Siquijor.
Among the contest activities for the fishers, which the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-7 (BFAR7) organized include cooking contest, net mending, quiz bee, poster making contest, singing contest, and balak contest, highlighting both talent and skills of the fishers, as well as an advocacy to heighten the awareness level of the people on the important role of the fishers.
On the side of the DA, the Provincial Agricultrue and Technology Coordinating Office (PATCO) in Siquijor initiated the “Kusina sa Kadiwa” cooking contest, which emphasized the use of fresh, affordable, and locally-sourced ingredients from the KADIWA booths, encouraging both creativity and support for local food producers.
Local farmers actively participated in the Kadiwa ng Pangulo, which allows them to market their fresh produce directly to consumers.
“Gapasalamat ako nga naay Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) kay naa ko’y venue diin makapamaligya ko sa akong mga produkto,” shared Mario Dumat-ol, a farmer and a member of Olave Libo Irrigator Association, who display and sell goods at the Kadiwa booth.
Through activity was in collaboration with DA-PATCO Siquijor, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Provincial Fishery Office (BFAR-PFO), Siquijor, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), and the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), making the event successful.
