Western Visayan products flaunts at the AFC Visayas stakeholders conference

 

 

 

 

 

 

An array of agricultural products from six provinces of Western Visayas were exhibited during the 2024 Agri-Fishery Council Visayas stakeholders conference in Iloilo City, August 13 to 16, 2024.

Organized farmers and cooperatives displayed their value-added agricultural products such as delicacies, medicinal herbs, clothing and give-away. Guests from the Eastern, Central, and Western Visayas explored and even purchased these said products from their respective stalls.

The province of Iloilo showcased products from different municipalities such as Cabatuan’s cacao products, woven bags from Leon, coffee from Igbaras, and other processed products. Delia Lira of Iloilo said that the province has a lot to offer aside from the variety of food and delicacies wherein Iloilo City has been known as the “City of Gastronomy”. Whereas the province of Capiz, highlighted their rich cacao produce through the production of delicacies and treats.

Aleah Villasor of Antique explains that KAMI ANTIQUE organization were the ones who made their displayed products on their stall during the event. She was thankful that the event is instrumental to promote their products and link them to institutional buyers.

Meanwhile, the province of Guimaras, displayed different mango-based products exemplifying their reputation to have the sweetest mangoes in the world alongside with cashews and other high value products produced by the organized farmers. Benilde Lorca said that the Guimaras Food Producers Incorporated is enticing visitors from other regions to try their products and build business out of it.

Anna Maria Braza of Negros Occidental, who is a member of Rural Women Entrepreneurs and Rural Improvement Club explained that one of the benefits the province of Negros Occidental from joining the conference was the exposure of their association to other regions in Visayas.

Meanwhile the Aklan boasted on their hand-made and 100% pineapple fiber traditional Philippine clothing. Anna Legazpi, the vice chairperson of the Natural Fiber Development Council, said that it its about time to promote their pineapple fiber products locally and encourage more people to be engaged in the art of piña weaving and develop more piña textile-based shawls and scarf bearing the UNESCO inscription.

Indeed, the event did not only create a discussion that addresses the difficulties and concerns related to agriculture and fisheries in the Visayas cluster, but it also became a medium for farmers and entrepreneurs to promote and expose the uniqueness and diversification of Western Visayas’ agricultural products that are in need to be sustained.###

Texts and Photos by: JESCEsmao/DA-RAFIS 6