They say it takes a village to raise a child. For Filipinos, this is called “Bayanihan” or community solidarity, which remains alive today.
The upland town of Sigay, known as the Robusta coffee capital, unveiled their creative e-trike float at the annual province-wide parade competition.
The coffee float, crafted by farmers and villagers, featured a large coffee mug covered in corn husk, symbolizing their united efforts.
The mouth of the cup was outlined with Sigay Abel while medium-sized coffee beans completed the word “Coffee” on its belly, drawing the crowd’s gaze.
Jenn Apalet-Macario, the town’s municipal agriculturist, said that the creation of Sigay’s coffee float was a community effort, reflecting the town’s spirit of collaboration and shared vision.
“Our float was made with the loving hands of the members of our community and the farmers who volunteered to help craft this vision of our town’s artists and the Municipal Agriculture Office,” she said.
Macario said the float mirrors the perseverance of the villagers to showcase the culture of Sigay dominated by Robusta, their One Town One Product (OTOP).
The town also offers a variety of vegetables—squash, tomatoes, string beans, okra, sayote, and more—along with peanuts and coconuts shaped into decorative figures.
According to Macario, they wanted to showcase their diverse products that support farmers’ livelihoods.
The base of the E-trike float was weaved by the villagers.
The event celebrated agricultural ingenuity and reinforced the importance of farming and fishing in sustaining the province’s economy.
The E-trike Float Design Contest recognized the creativity and dedication of farmers and fisherfolk who adorned their electric tricycles with agricultural displays.
The farmers went home victorious after the Agriculture Day celebration, not just for the P100,000 cash prize but for the recognition they received.
“We are full of joy that our hard work paid off. We are grateful that we have leaders who see the importance of such activities that implore the creativity and liveliness of agriculture in the province,” Macario shared.
Other participants were also recognized, with San Ildefonso winning 2nd place and a P85,000 cash prize, Sinait taking 3rd place with a P70,000 prize, and all other participants receiving a P30,000 consolation prize.
These prizes rewarded creativity and provided financial support to farmers and fisherfolk, acknowledging their role in food production and economic sustainability.
Ilocos Sur Governor Jerry Singson emphasized the vital role of farmers and fisherfolk in driving the province’s economic growth.
“This is just one way of showing that your hard work does not go unnoticed, all your sacrifices are acknowledged, and I would like you to know that the province of Ilocos Sur is and always will be an agricultural province,” Singson said.
The Agriculture Day celebration is a testament to the resilience, skill, and dedication of Ilocos Sur’s farmers and fisherfolk. It strengthens community bonds, keeping agriculture at the heart of the province’s identity and progress.
With continued government support and active community participation, Ilocos Sur’s agriculture sector remains strong and essential for the country’s food security. (CCMT/ATV, PIA Ilocos Sur)
