Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Davao Oriental celebrates Farmers’ and Fisherfolks’ Month

DAVAO ORIENTAL May 27, 2015 –Over 700 farmers and fisherfolks from across the province had participated in the recent three-day celebration of the farmers and fisherfolks’ month held in the City of Mati.

The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XI in close coordination with the Provincial, City and Municipal Local Government Units, brought together the farmers and fisherfolks to this celebration which is dedicated in their honor.

The DA said the celebration is a way to thank them for their great role in feeding the nation and in the country’s economic progress.

The department further said that this occasion also promotes participation among various partners on agriculture as well as to strengthen the bond between farmers and fisherfolk to the different agencies who provide them the needed farming assistance.

The farmers and fisherfolks who participated in the said activity thanked the DA and the Provincial Government for holding this activity that became a venue for them to learn the latest and current programs of the department which they can readily avail.

Provincial Agriculture Office (PAGRI) Head Rotchie  Ravelo, who represented Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon, emphasized the vital role farmers and fisherfolk play in the society in the sense that they feed the whole nation with their labors and toils.

He thanked and congratulated the farmers and fisherfolks, whom he said should be given due credit, for the various recognition the province had achieved in terms of agriculture which was attributed to their contributions in the agricultural growth.

In the province’s bid to further boost the agriculture sector in Davao Oriental, different agencies had impart new farming techniques and current agricultural innovations that would increase opportunities for farmers.

The DA also reiterated the national government’s advocacy on the practice of organic farming pursuant to RA 10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 which encourages farmers to use and promote environment-friendly food production practices. The department said that the country needs to invest in to organic farming to help cut its carbon footprint and help address the challenge of climate change.

Aside from lectures, a product exhibit was also held wherein diverse agricultural commodities and products were displayed and sold.

The farmers and fisherfolks  also received freebies such as rice and corn seeds, cassava stalks, fishing paraphernalia, fertilizers and shirts from attached agencies and other stakeholders. They include the PCI, FIDA, PCA, FPA, PhilMech Mindanao, PCIC, NFA, NMIS, San Miguel Corporation, Kennemer Foods International Inc, and UNAHCO, among others.

The celebration of the Farmers’ and Fisherfolks’ Month became an annual event pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 33 issued on March 21, 1989 declaring the month of May of each year as a month dedicated to farmers and fisherfolk to honor their valuable contribution in the country’s agriculture and economic growth. (Annalyn Padullon PIO DavOr)

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