(PNA Photo by Primo Agatep)
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — All is set for the 37th Strawberry Festival which will start on March 9 in this capital town.
Mayor Romeo Salda and Vice Mayor Joey Jovencio Marrero announced Monday night this year’s theme dubbed, “La Trinidad’s Strawberries Forever,” signifying efforts to sustain La Trinidad’s strawberry industry.
He said Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Assistant Secretary Ana Marie Banaag, herself a Cordilleran, would be the guest of honor and speaker during the main program set on March 16.
Various activities like a cultural program, job fair, arts and musical concerts, sports events, and several community-led events will highlight the month-long festival.
A trade fair will also be held, primarily to promote the industry and open more opportunities for the strawberry farmers. A strawberry wine fair is also slated to showcase the product.
La Trinidad, one of the 13 municipalities of Benguet province, is also tagged “Salad Bowl of the Philippines” and grows abundant roses, as well.
Strawberry production in this upland town was started by the Americans in early 1900. An Agricultural School was later on put up in 1916 after it was found that the climate and the place’s fertile soil are suitable for strawberry growing. (Primo Agatep/PNA)
