CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — Driving positive change, empowering stakeholders, and bringing forth progress in the agriculture and fisheries industries, the Department of Agriculture (DA) recently organized the 2nd National Agriculture and Fisheries Technology Exhibition (NAFTE) here, focusing on the latest technologies in agriculture and fisheries developed by partner research institutions on June 4-6.
The event brought together 46 exhibitors showcasing innovative products and solutions for the agriculture and fisheries sector.
“As we open this year’s NAFTE, it is important na malaman natin kung gaano kaimportante ang fishery sector sa ating ekonomiya. The Philippines is an agricultural country, and because of its geographic location, malaking bahagi ng ekonomiya natin ang agriculture. In fact, 8.9 percent of our GDP (gross domestic product) comes from the agricultural sector,” said Sen. Mark Villar, who served as the event’s keynote speaker.
(As we open this year’s NAFTE, it is important that we know how important the fishery sector is to our economy. The Philippines is an agricultural country, and because of its geographic location, agriculture is a big part of our economy. In fact, the agricultural sector accounts for 8.9 percent of our GDP.)
He added that the fisheries contribute 1.3 percent of the country’s GDP and provide 1.6 million jobs annually. Thus, there is a need to add more support to these kinds of events so that the sector can develop even more.
Under the theme “Makabago at Angkop na Teknolohiya: Tulong sa Patuloy na Pag-unlad ng Magsasakat at Mangingisda Para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the exhibition featured technologies aimed at enhancing productivity, sustainability, and profitability for farmers and fisherfolk. The event also marked the launch of logos for NAFTE, Northern Mindanao Regional Research for Development, and the Bureau of Agricultural Research’s audiovisual presentation (AVP), titled “Bagong Bureau of Agricultural Research Para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas.”
Plenary sessions included discussions on local government-led agricultural initiatives, successful technology-driven adlay production, best practices in technology transfer, and partnerships in the health and wellness industry.
Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra read a message from DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasizing the department’s commitment to advancing sustainable programs and interventions in the agriculture and fisheries sector.
“The Department of Agriculture has intensified its call for the development of more sustainable and responsive programs and interventions. This includes generating appropriate and accessible technologies to advance production, decrease its costs, and increase the economic productivity of the sector,” the secretary stated.
Tiu added that as the prime movers of innovation in the field of agri-fishery, the department, through the initiatives of the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research, has continuously provided its farm partners, most specifically the farmers and fisherfolk, with cutting-edge advancements as an offshoot of research for development interventions.
For his part, Regional Executive Director of DA-10, Jose Apollo Pacamalan, praised the collaborative efforts of stakeholders in promoting innovation in the agri-fishery industry. He emphasized the event’s role in empowering farmers and fisherfolk through the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, thereby enhancing economic opportunities and sustainability in the sector.
The local government of Cagayan de Oro, through Mayor Rolando Uy, highlighted the city’s commitment to agricultural development, showcasing collaborative efforts with various agencies and institutions to drive progress in the agriculture and fisheries sector.
Exhibitors Susan Galua from J&R Mahinog Cacao Producers Group in Mahinog, Camiguin, and Marife Suaybaguio from Visayas State University shared their excitement about the conduct of NAFTE 2024.
“Importante ning exhibit kay dili lang sa ingon nga namaligya ta diri, but we’re promoting pud sa technology nga ginahimo sa university, and of course supported by the DA-BAR,” Suaybaguio said.
(This exhibit holds significance not only for our sales but also for our promotion of university-made technology, which receives support from the DA-BAR.)
Galua, who displayed cocoa products, chocolates, virgin coconut oil, soy sauce, and other products, said the exhibit could help improve and promote their products.
The NAFTE 2024 served as a platform for empowering farmers and fisherfolk with cutting-edge technologies, promoting innovation, sustainability, and economic growth in the agriculture and fisheries industry of the Philippines. “I hope this exhibit will be an eye-opener to all of your potential to contribute to something bigger,” Villar said. (RTP/PIA-10)
