San Lorenzo, Guimaras 30th founding anniversary highlights farmers, fisherfolk’s contributions

 

Farmers and fisherfolk’s day is among the major events of the 30th Founding Anniversary of San Lorenzo, Guimaras, this February.

Organized by the Municipal Agriculture Office, headed by Caroline Brasileño on February 19, the event was attended by local officials, representatives from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Western Visayas, the Provincial Office for Agricultural Services (POAS) Guimaras, and farmers and fishers. The program featured discussions on current trends and challenges in the agriculture and fisheries sectors, updates on government programs and services, an agricultural trade fair and exhibits, and contests such as the ‘Pinaka,’ Binalaybay, and Komposo competitions.

Judy Bulquiren of POAS-Guimaras emphasized the provincial government’s commitment to farmers and fisherfolk, recognizing them not merely as clients but as essential partners in economic growth.

“With agriculture and fisheries at the heart of the province’s economy, significant developments are underway to support the sector. The Agriculture Village in Brgy. Sapal is nearing completion, and the soon-to-be-finished feed mill facility is expected to boost local production,” she said.

POAS-Guimaras is also promoting programs to help farmers expand their production areas for corn and sorghum to maximize the benefits of the feed mill.

Meanwhile, the provincial government is set to launch the Bugal sang Guimaras sa Agrikultura Award, which will recognize the outstanding contributions of local farmers and fishers in nine initial award categories.

 

Resource persons from the DA Western Visayas, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) provided participants with updates on their respective programs and efforts to address key challenges in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

Ian Mark Ciocon, a Science Research Specialist at the DA Western Visayas Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC), discussed the agency’s efforts to help farmers manage crop pests and diseases.

“The RCPC team is actively validating, assessing, and providing initial assistance to affected areas to mitigate losses,” Ciocon said. He added that they continuously monitor Brown Planthopper (BPH) infestations, which have caused hopperburn in several rice areas.

To combat BPH, RCPC recommends Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) technology and the use of biological control agents such as Metarhizium and Beauveria bassiana in rice fields.

PCIC’s Ryan Ballosteros urged farmers and fishers to take advantage of free crop and livestock insurance under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

For rice farmers, insurance coverage is available for areas ranging from 1,000 square meters to 1.5 hectares. High value crops production is also covered with crop insurance with a minimum area of 1,000 square meters of mono-crop farming following Good Agricultural Practices. The livestock and poultry insurance program is also ongoing.

Moreover, PCIC offers non-crop agricultural asset insurance, covering essential equipment such as fishing boats, providing financial security to farmers and fisherfolk in case of unexpected damage or loss.

Jayson Paraiso of BFAR elaborated on the bureau’s FishR and BoatR programs, which serve as national registries for fisherfolk and are essential for accessing government support.

Ernie Villanueva, DA Western Visayas’ Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer for Guimaras, emphasized the importance of productivity and profitability in agriculture.

“Gusto namon nga mag produktibo kamo kag mag ginansyahun” (We want you to be productive and profitable).

He highlighted how the Kadiwa Market in Guimaras, supported by DA Western Visayas and POAS-Guimaras, has provided local farmers and fishers with a reliable market for their produce.

Villanueva also stressed the need for farmer unity to effectively implement government programs such as the Special Area for Agricultural Development Program and the Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture Program in San Lorenzo.

“Buligan ta pangampanya nga maghugpong aton mga mangunguma, kay kung wala ta paghugpong, indi naton ma implementar sang maayo ang mga programa sang ahensya,” he said.

He also advocated for the optimum use of farm machinery to lower labor costs, reduce postharvest losses, and improve farming efficiency. Proper equipment maintenance is needed to ensure long-term sustainability.

Provincial Agriculturist Alvin Nava, Municipal Mayor Constantino Cordero Jr., and Sanggunian Bayan Chairperson on the Committee on Agriculture Jimmy Eliego also graced the one-day celebration of farmers and fisherfolk.###

Text by Sheila Mae Toreno & Photos by Je Erryl Shayne Esmao & Khrysma Dei Caldina/DA-RAFIS 6