Barasan Este farmers conducts first Field Day in Santa Barbara, Iloilo

Around 150 farmers attended the first Farmer’s Field Day of the barangay Barasan Este Farmers Association recently in Santa Barbara, Iloilo, to honor farmers and fisherfolk for their important role in food production and community development.

With the theme “Honoring the Hands That Feed Us,” the event marked the association’s first Farmer’s Field Day aiming to recognize the efforts of farmers in ensuring food security, supporting the local economy, and providing food for families in the community.

Santa Barbara Vice Mayor Ramon Sullano highlighted the progress of the town emphasizing that they are  one of the municipalities with strong economic potential in the province of Iloilo wherein more developmental projects are expected to enter the town.

He also reminded farmers to remain prepared for development and to protect the future of their children by continuing food production. They were also encouraged to identify and protect idle lands to prevent their loss due to urbanization.

Municipal Agriculturist Juven Sonico thanked the farmers, especially the members of the Barasan Este Farmers Association, for their contribution to food security. 

“No farmers, no food,” Sonico said, as he encouraged the local government to fully use idle lands for farming. He added that seeds are being provided for distribution to farmers.

Sonico also shared that landowners with at least 200 square meters of unused land may allow their property to be used for food production, even without formal contracts, as long as the land is not currently cultivated. This initiative supports community food programs, including those of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Meanwhile, DA-WV Regional Information Officer James Earl Ogatis expressed his appreciation to the farmers for their continued service to the community. He also presented various programs of the Department of Agriculture that aim to improve farmers’ skills and knowledge. He encouraged farmers to stay active and to join the programs and assistance offered by government agencies.

The event ended with a renewed commitment from farmers and local officials to work together to protect agriculture and ensure food security in Santa Barbara.### (Text by Cristine Lauresta and Photos by Cristine Lauresta and Myleen Subang)