TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite – Nutrition and food security were highlighted in Cavite’s Agri-Trade Fair organized by the provincial government this week to sustain self-reliant communities with farm harvests that are affordable and nutritious.
In a report on Thursday, the Provincial Information and Community Affairs Department (PICAD) said the two-day event at the provincial gymnasium here showcased various agricultural products of Cavite farmers and fishermen.
The trade fair on Oct. 2 and 3 adopted the theme, “Produktong Pang-agrikultura Mura’t Masustansya para sa Malusog na Masa,” to address nutrition and food security concerns.
Diwa party-list Representative Emmeline Aglipay-Villar, who represented Senator Cynthia Villar, chair of the Senate agriculture and food committee, encouraged farmers and fishermen to engage in sustainable agri-enterprise projects.
She also assured the locals of their continuing support to the agriculture sector for farmers to improve their lives through livelihood training.
Governor Jesus Crispin Remulla also expressed the provincial government’s appreciation to the Department of Agriculture (DA) through Secretary Emmanuel Piñol for the development programs and commitment in funding priorities for the province’s agricultural sector.
Piñol had earlier pledged 500 bancas for Cavite fisherfolk and package of farm implement for the farmers during the opening rites on Oct. 2.
The DA, through its regional offices, has also guaranteed assistance to farmers and fishermen who aired their needs during the event.
DA IVA (Calabarzon) Regional Executive Director Arnel De Mesa and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Director Lilian Garcia-Cese also assured the farmers and fisherfolk here on DA’s assistance and livelihood support programs.
Garcia-Cese also relayed the DA’S commitment for the PHP5 million worth of agricultural projects for the fishing sector like motorized bancas and patrol boats while De Mesa assured farmers of agricultural tools and equipment.
These farm machineries include harvester and thresher, multiplier farms, greenhouse and solar panels to advance the growth of local farmers.
Remulla, assisted by De Mesa, also awarded the Caviteño Gawad SAKA winners in the provincial and regional search.
Roberto Arahan is the regional recipient of the award and as national nominee for the Outstanding Farm Family Category in the 2016-2017 Gawad SAKA Search. Fabian Maximillan Fabrega is the Outstanding Small Animal Raiser in the provincial level category.
Cavite Vice Governor Jolo Revilla and Sangguniang Panlalawigan members also graced the agri-trade fair and pledged to further support plans and programs that would strengthen agriculture in the province. (PNA)