14th Adlaw sang Mangunguma kicks-off Tubong-Tubong festival in Tubungan, Iloilo

The 14th Adlaw sang Mangunguma, themed “Pasidungog sa Mangunguma: Organikong Agrikultura, Pasanyugon Ta” is among the highlights of the Tubong-Tubong Festival of the Municipality of Tubungan, Iloilo. Held on April 28 at the Municipal Covered Gymnasium, the farmers’ day was aimed at recognizing the significant contribution of local producers in improving the town’s economy and advancing the advocacy of organic farming.

Municipal Mayor Roquito Tacsagon, who himself is an organic farming advocate, expressed gratitude to the Department of Agriculture (DA) Western Visayas for providing necessary and continuous support to farmers so they could continue crop cultivation despite the negative impacts of the changing climate on the sector. The local chief executive highlighted the urgent issue of water scarcity affecting agricultural productivity. He called for collective efforts to address the water shortage and encouraged the strengthening of organic farming to protect both human health and the environment.

“Kinahanglan pasanyugon naton ang organiko nga pagpanguma. Ini nga pamaagi indi lang makabulig sa pagpaayo sang aton environment, kundi makahatag man sang maayong epekto sa aton lawas. Magbinuligay kita agud malampuwasan naton ang aton gina-atubang nga kakulangan sa tubig,” Mayor Tacsagon said.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Leo Cezar Taypen emphasized the importance of acknowledging and thanking the tireless efforts and contributions of farmers in providing food for the community. Their role is especially important now, as they face the impacts of climate change. Farmers have demonstrated innovation and creativity by finding ways to adapt and remain profitable despite several challenges in the sector.

“Indi pwede nga magpabilin kita sa kinaandan nga pagginawi naton; sa bag-o nga panahon, kinahanglan nga mag-innovate kita agud magpadayon ang aton pangabuhi. Part of this innovation is embracing technology transfer and encouraging the youth to follow in the footsteps of our hardworking farmers,” he added.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lourdes S. Defensor from the Iloilo Provincial Agriculture Office advocated for organic farming, citing its health and environmental benefits. “It is high time we promote organic farming practices, especially with the ongoing effects of climate change,” she said.

Joan Capaciete, representing the DA Western Visayas, discussed the benefits of farm clustering, a strategy to improve productivity and profitability among farmers. She added that the department prioritize its interventions among farmers cooperatives and associations. Capaciete also urged farmers to seek the assistance of the Municipal Agriculture Office in obtaining accreditation for the Participatory Guarantee System in organic farming.

     

According to Municipal Agriculturist Marjorie Tacardon, the event was attended by over 300 farmers, agricultural workers, association leaders, rural improvement clubs, 4-H Club members, and TESDA Agro-Entrepreneurship NC II scholars from Tubungan’s 48 barangays. The gathering aimed to recognize the invaluable contributions of farmers, discuss current agricultural issues and concerns, and introduce them to the latest farming technologies and innovations.

 

In addition, the Local Government Unit of Tubungan also launched the Tubong Agrikultura Exhibit and Flower Display.

“Come visit our beautiful town, experience our Tubong Agrikultura Exhibit and Flower Display, and witness the rich variety of flowers, vegetables, and fruits grown by our hardworking farmers,” she said.

Bobby Tribo, staff of the Municipal Agriculture Office who manned the agri exhibit, said that the products showcased during the celebration, including root crops and high value fruits and vegetables from both upland and lowland barangays.

“Ang ini nga mga produkto ginabakal naton sa aton mga mangunguma sa paborable nga presyo kag ginabaligya naton sa kasarangan nga presyo,” said Tribo who also mentioned that they regularly sell Tubungan agricultural produce to different Kadiwa stores and activities of the DA Western Visayas.

Another highlight of the farmers’ day was the conduct of several contests such as the Binalaybay Contest, Composo Contest, Pinaka Contest (Best Agricultural Produce), and a pre-judging of the Flower Show.### Text by Sheila Mae Toreno and Photos by Khrysma Dei Caldina and Je Erryl Shayne Esmao/DA-RAFIS 6