By Cherry Mhae Palicte/Philippine News Agency
DAVAO CITY — Recognizing the contribution of farmers and fisherfolk in Davao Region, the Department of Agriculture in Region 11 (DA-11) officially opened the 2019 Farmers and Fisherfolk Month celebration Monday here.
Anchored on the theme “Magsasaka’t Mangingisdang Pilipino: Saludo ang buong bansa sa sipag, tibay at lakas ninyo”, the event kicked off with a fun run among DA employees and followed by an opening ceremony at the DA grounds.
DA-11 designated Epifanio Loyola and Quirsito Cajegas as farmer and fisherfolk directors, respectively, to further serve the farmers and fisherfolk for this month-long fete.
Loyola, who is also the Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council (RAFC) chairman and apiculture champion, stressed the importance of pollinators particularly bees as farmers’ partners in food production.
As the fisherfolk director, Cajegas urged the fisherfolk’s to protect fish sanctuaries in the region.
DA-11 Director Ricardo Oñate expressed gratitude to the farmers and fisherfolk as well as the local government units (LGUs) for their “untiring support” to DA, especially in food security.
“We thank them for trusting the technologies we have offered. We will continue to provide interventions that can help especially our small farmers and fisherfolk,” he said.
DA has lined up several activities for the month-long celebration through its banner programs, including lectures and training at DA conference room from May 6 to 10, 2019. DA’s provincial offices will also have their own activities, scheduled as follows: May 23-Compostela Valley Province, May 27-Davao del Norte, May 28-Davao Occidental, May 29-Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental, and May 30 in Davao City.
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