DA Western Visayas joins Farmers Summit and Agri Info Caravan in celebration of Buenavista, Guimaras “Palayag” festival

To empower local farmers and boost agricultural development in Buenavista, Guimaras, the Department of Agriculture Western Visayas (DA-WV) took the lead in the Farmers Summit and Agricultural Information Caravan as part of Buenavista’s Palayag Festival. The event celebrated the town’s rich culture and served as a venue for farmers to access relevant agricultural information and engage with other key agricultural agencies.

During the Agricultural Information Caravan, concerns and inquiries from local farmers were addressed by DA-WV and its partner agencies to promote collaboration and mutual support among the agricultural community.

One of the issues raised during the open forum was the adjustment schedule of crops from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC). Farmers expressed concerns about the timing of crop adjustments affecting their agricultural activities. In response, the PCIC assured farmers that they are working to address the issue, despite having limited adjusters at the moment. The commitment to find effective solutions underscored the PCIC’s dedication to addressing farmers’ concerns.

Another point of discussion revolved around the demand for purple corn seeds. The corn program acknowledged the high demand. Farmers were assured that Open-Pollinated Variety (OPV) corn seeds are accessible for distribution to farmers’ associations engaged in corn cultivation. Encouraging farmers to visit their Municipal Agriculture Office for assistance, the program emphasized its commitment to supporting local corn cultivation.

The significance of soil testing for appropriate fertilizer recommendations was also highlighted during the open forum. The DA Regional Soils Laboratory stressed the importance of coordination with the Municipal Agriculturist Office to ensure correct soil sampling for testing. Additionally, the availability of soil test kits was shared, offering farmers’ associations practical tools for enhancing their agricultural practices.

In summarizing the open forum discussions, DA-WV Regional Information Officer James Earl Ogatis reiterated the department’s commitment to enlighten farmers about various programs and services aimed at uplifting their livelihoods. He emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts among farmers and agricultural agencies for the sustainable development of the agricultural sector.

Meanwhile, Buenavista Municipal Mayor Samuel Gumarin, M.D., highlighted the festival’s significance, representing not just a celebration of culture but also embodying the hopes and dreams of the town and its people. According to Mayor Gumarin the festival’s theme resonates with the community’s aspirations for progress and prosperity.

He also expressed optimism about the festival’s role in boosting the local economy, aiming for sustained growth after facing economic challenges in recent years.

In addition, RIO Ogatis underscored the importance of collaboration among farmers, urging participants to share knowledge and work collectively to advance the agricultural sector. He shared insights about the DA’s commitment to bringing its regional office closer to the provinces of Western Visayas, aligning with the directive from Regional Executive Director Dennis Arpia.

“This year, as per directives from our Regional Executive Director, the DA regional office will reach out to all provinces in Western Visayas. We already have personnel assigned to the provinces under our banner programs and special projects. There is no need to follow up at the regional office; solutions to your concerns can be addressed in the provinces starting this year,” explained Ogatis. # (by: MSSubang/DA-RAFIS 6)