SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – In its aim to promote bountiful harvests from farmers and fisherfolks, the provincial government of La Union, through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) celebrates opened its agri-bazaar at the OPAG facade, this city.

This is in celebration of the Farmers and Fisherfolks Month with the theme, “ProbinsyANIHAN: Pasingkedan ti Bileg ken Timpuyog dagiti Mannalon ken Mangngalap” (Fueling empowerment and unity  towards farmers and fisherfolks), which highlights the importance of the local farmers and fisherfolks for their relentless efforts and contributions, making them as the unsung heroes of the agriculture sector.

In her message during the opening of Agri-Bazaar, Sharon Viloria, supervising Agriculturist of the Provincial Agriculturist Office said, “We highlighted the word ANIHAN doon sa probinsyanihan, which is the empowering strategy of the provincial government to implement programs especially ngayon ay buwan ng magsasaka at mangingisda.”

Moreover, Viloria said, “Anihan” depicts harvest of crops, livestock, and seafood which fuels the empowerment and unity of farmers and fisherfolks through various interventions, programs, and projects of the PGLU. which were implemented through the assistance of the Agriculture department.

Various vegetables, root crops, and fruit products like onion, mango, squash, banana, lemon, and seafood products, among others, were sold at an affordable price during the two-day Agri-Bazaar held at OPAG Grounds, San Fernando City, La Union recently.

Some 15  beneficiaries from various towns of the province were also given a total of 25,000 tilapia fingerlings to be used as a start-up for their agri-fishery livelihood and additional income for their families on May 5.

Viloria said that as part of the month-long celebration of the Farmers and Fisherfolks Month, various activities were lined-up to include mangrove planting in Bacnotan town on May 17, farm visit at Adlay Plantation in Balaoan town on May 23, and Bangkathon at Ilocanos Sur, San Fernando City on May 29.

Further, the culmination activity is set on June 1 with the “Aldaw ti Pammadayaw” to give recognition to food heroes (farmers and fisherfolks) and to announce the winners of the edible landscaping garden competition which was joined by 13 local government units.

In closing, Viloria said that the provincial government of La Union continues to address the needs of farmers and fisherfolks within the province in recognition of their great contributions as the key players in the goal of La Union to be the Heart of Agri-Tourism in Northern Luzon by 2025. (JCR/MJTAB/KJCR, PIA La Union)