LA TRINIDAD, Benguet (PIA) — The local government of La Trinidad in partnership with the League of Associations at the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post successfully celebrated the Highland Vegetable Industry Week that honors the farmers and other stakeholders of the municipality’s vibrant vegetable industry.
Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Consumer Affairs Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra praised the La Trinidad LGU and the farmers and traders for sustaining such event.
“Lubos kaming nagpapasalamat sa League of Associations at the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post na binubuo ng pederasyon ng stakeholders at ng ating mga vegetable industry nariyan ang ating mga local farmers, buyers, disposers, packers, porters, truck drivers, trading operators and owners. Taos puso din ang ating pagpapasalamat sa ating local government of La Trinidad sa mga inisyatibo nyo para mapayabong pa ang sektor ng agrikultura, naniniwala ako na basta taga La Trinidad, tunay an maabilidad,” Guevarra said.
(We are very thankful to the League of Associations at the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post composed of the different federation of stakeholders including those in the vegetable industry such as the local farmers, buyers, disposers, packers, porters, truck drivers, trading operators and owners. We also express gratitude to the local government of La Trinidad for its initiatives for the benefit of the agricultural sector. I believe that those who are from La Trinidad are truly capable.)
Guevarra said that the celebration not only showcases the bountiful harvest but also strengthens the partnerships among the local government, the national government and the different stakeholders of the vegetable industry.
“We are gathered here today not only to showcase the bounty of our harvest here in La Trinidad but also to strengthen our partnerships and enjoy the blessings we receive from above. Indeed, this celebration is a testament to your collective commitment to sustainability, innovation and vitality of rural economies,” she said.
Now on its sixth year, this year’s celebration on July 10 to 12, has a theme “Fostering a Thriving Highland Vegetable Industry through Collaboration and Partnerships.”
The festivities kicked off with a motorcade of vegetable floats from the different stakeholders and organizations at the LTVTP. It was followed by an ecumenical mass.
Guevarra, together with La Trinidad officials led by Mayor Romeo Salda and Vice Mayor Roderick Awingan, led the ribbon cutting of the mini trade fair and formal opening program at the municipal gymnasium. They were joined by Councilor Francis Lee representing Cong.Eric Go Yap, Executive Assistant Mario Baucas for, Gov. Melchor Diclas, Vice Gov Ericson Felipe, and Beverly Pekas representing DA-CAR Regional Director Jennelyn Dawayan.
Other highlights of the festival were the search for the biggest and heaviest vegetable, the best dressed vegetable kariton, vegetable landscaping, vegetable fun run, the vegetable salad dressing preparation and presentation and the serving of the vegetable salad.
A lecture on nutritional guidelines for Filipinos was also conducted in celebration of the Nutrition Month of July. (RMC-PIA CAR)
