SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) — Promotion of local products of the province is one of the highlights of the recent Arawatan Festival, provided by the provincial government to agriculture product producers and new entrepreneurs of the province.
This year, the local government helped the farmers and micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to attend various product-promotional events in and out of the province.
These include the Philippine Travel Mart held in Metro Manila last September; the Agbiliwa Trade Fair conducted annually by the provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); and, the recently concluded Arawatan Agri-Trade Fair– one of the featured activities in the founding anniversary celebration of the province held from November 9 to 15.
According to Provincial Agriculturist Engineer Alrizza Zubiri, the trade fair is special this year because aside from agricultural products, culture, beautiful destinations, and tourism spots, the local products in each municipality of the province were also featured.
“Ang agritourism trade fair ang perfect venue para maipakita natin kung gaano kaganda at kung gaano kayaman ang ating lalawigan [The agritourism trade fair is the perfect venue for us to show how beautiful and how rich our province is],” said Zubiri.
Zubiri also said that the promotion program is in line with the local government’s desire to introduce the local produce of the province outside the country.
“Target ng ating Kapitolyo na maka-penetrate hanggang sa ibang bansa ang ating local products [The target of our capitol is to penetrate our local products to other countries],” said Zubiri.
Zubiri added that among the products that the province promotes are rice, corn, onions and other agricultural products. Zubiri also noted that the province has no record of African Swine Fever (ASF).
“May mga sakahan din tayo na sinertipikahan ng Department of Agriculture na nagsasagawa ng Good Agricultural Practice (GAP),” added Zubiri.
The official emphasized that the aforementioned characteristics are enough for the province to be proud of its local products and keep pace with other provinces in the country.
Zubiri calls on the public to support farmers and MSMEs by availing their products made in the province, not only when there is a promotional event like the Arawatan, but at all times. (VND/GATS/PIA MIMAROPA)
Photos courtesy of Arawatan Festival Facebook Page
