Concepcion, Iloilo celebrates Farmers and Fisherfolks’ Day 2024

On May 31, 2024, the Municipality of Concepcion in Iloilo celebrated its annual Farmers and Fisherfolks’ Day, with nearly 300 farmers and fisherfolks gathering to honor their invaluable contributions to the local economy. This event, a significant date on the municipal calendar since the supporting ordinance was ratified by the Sanguniang Bayan in 2016, highlights the essential role of the agricultural sector in the town’s prosperity.

This year’s theme, “May El Niño man o wala, maaasahan ang magsasaka at mangingisda,” emphasizes the resilience and reliability of farmers and fisherfolks, even in the face of climate challenges such as El Niño. Mayor Millard Villanueva praised these local heroes, acknowledging their contribution to 60% of Concepcion’s overall economic growth. He also noted that the Bureau of Local Government Finance recognizes Concepcion as one of the top-performing local government units (LGUs) for business access in the region.

During the event, SB Member John Arcosa expressed the legislative council’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector, particularly in response to the recent challenges posed by El Niño, which caused 70% damage to agricultural crops and 60% damage to the fishing industry. The council has allocated 5% of its calamity fund to assist those affected.

In a significant gesture of support, the Bachawan Sur Farmers Association received a pump engine set from the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 6 (DA RFO 6), which will aid in irrigating areas where water is scarce, further augmenting the farming efforts in their locality.

The celebration also saw participation from key provincial and national agencies. Representatives from the Provincial Veterinary Office, Provincial Agriculture Office, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and DA RFO 6 were present to show their support and share updates.

Dr. Daryl Tabuada of the Provincial Veterinary Office provided an update on the African Swine Fever (ASF) situation, announcing that Concepcion has been upgraded to a Pink Zone and will commence a sentineling program. The municipality is set to receive part of a 10-million-peso ASF recovery fund from the province. Dr. Tabuada urged farmers to implement stricter biosecurity measures and border controls, particularly in island barangays. He also highlighted Concepcion’s achievement of 100% rabies-free island barangays, contributing to the province’s goal of being rabies-free by 2030.

The day’s festivities included various activities such as cheers and yells, creative performances, and the much-anticipated search for Hari at Reyna sang Mangunguma. These event celebrated the hard work and dedication of Concepcion’s farmers and fisherfolks and also fostered a sense of community and shared purpose among attendees.###(MCMBuala/DA-RAFIS6) Photos by CFLauresta