Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Farmers and Fisherfolks Month in Caraga Region



by: Aurell P. Arais

Hailed as the backbone of the country, farmers and fisherfolks alike were given due recognition especially in the month of May for the Farmers and Fisherfolks Month celebration. This year’s theme “Magsasaka at Mangingisda Sama-samang Harapin ang Hamon ng Climate Change Gamit ang Makabagong Teknolohiya “ seems so fitting as different LGUs become aware of the effects on climate change to the agriculture sector. Thus, in this year’s commemoration, discussion on climate change has been the focus.

In Caraga Region, various local government units (LGU) conducted activities in line with the celebration for the year 2010.

Last May 5, 2010, Carrascal in Surigao del Sur celebrated it with a grand parade and various contest participated in by different farmers and fisherfolks association.

Local Chief Executive Alfred Arreza said that the economy of Carrascal relies mainly on farming and fishing activities thus they are given priority by the local government through the Municipal Agriculture Office under the leadership of Municipal Agriculturist Edgardo P. Intano.

It was the 5th Farmers and Fisherfolks Month Celebration of the town.

Meanwhile on May 18, the LGU of San Francisco, Surigao del Norte conducted its Joint 23rd Municipal Agriculture & Fishery Council (MAFC) Day and Farmers & Fisherfolks Month at the Municipal Gym.

As Municipal Agriculturist Marieto Clerigo said, San Francisco is the only town that has consistently celebrated the Farmers & Fisherfolks Month annually.

Among of the highlights of the activity was the Agro-Trade Fair which was participated in by the different barangays of the said town.

The participants displayed various products in their barangay wherein Barangay Banbanon was adjudged as the winner.

The City of Cabadbaran also took part in the celebration last May 26 through a Farm Family Forum in which DA-13’s Regional Technical Director for Administration, Finance & Regulatory Teodora P. Fiel, DVM graced the occasion.

In her address, RTD Fiel lauded the officialdom of Cabadbaran LGU led by Mayor Dale Corvera for conducting such activity which is an indication of a strong commitment of the town to empower the farmers and fisherfolks. She also acknowledged the efforts done by the Office of the City Agriculturist through CA Floreza D. Montalban and staff for being the led of the said occasion.

On the other hand, in Barobo, Surigao del Sur , a culminating activity to commemorate the Farmers and Fisherfolks Forum was conducted wherein Municipal Agriculturist Lyrio R. Campos presented the programs and projects implemented by Barobo LGU though the Municipal Agriculture Office. The participants were given time to exchange views and ideas thus the forum served as a consultation between the local officials of LGU in to further improve local governance.

A mass dog vaccination against rabies was also conducted during the event to curb the reported rising problem of dog bites in the municipality. There was also an agrivan showing of the different agricultural technologies through the DA-RAFID . (Aurell P. Arais/ Vanessa P. Sanchez/ RAFID DA CARAGA)

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