Onion Festival showcases Bagumbayan, Miagao’s economic progress

Barangay Bagumbayan in Miagao, Iloilo, marked its 2nd Bombay Festival, highlighting the significant contribution of its onion industry to the local economy.

This year’s theme, “Bagumbayan: Sadsaran sang Mapag-on kag Mainuswagon nga Katilingban,” resonated the resilience and progress within the community as well as the tireless efforts of the onion growers, whose dedication sustains the town’s agricultural pillar. 

Miagao Municipal Agriculturist Frea Monsale commended the farmers for their vital role in driving economic growth, citing Bagumbayan’s distinction among the top three onion-producing barangays alongside Durog and Dawog of the municipality.

Despite encountering adversities such as irrigation challenges intensified by El Nino and pest infestations, Monsale encouraged the farmers to persevere, emphasizing the untapped potential within the community. Assuring them of government support, she urged the farmers continued commitment to onion cultivation, underscoring its significance in securing livelihoods and fostering local development.

In a promising development, the Municipal Agriculturist also noted the growing interest in onion cultivation among neighboring barangays, signaling the town’s dedication to agricultural advancement. She also revealed that additional barangays have embraced onion production, strengthening the existing 33 producing barangays. 

Meanwhile, High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) Regional Focal Person Jonifer Frades highlighted the importance of cold storage to mitigate market unpredictability. With the abundant onion production of the town and recent price fluctuations, Frades emphasized the significance of cold storage facilities in safeguarding local producers’ interests.

Frades stressed the necessity of anticipating market trends, particularly amidst the anticipated influx of onion produce from Mindoro. 

Expressing optimism, Frades underscored HVCDP’s expansion efforts of the town that represents HVCDP’s commitment to fostering agricultural development and ensuring regional food security.

On the other hand, DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division Chief Maria Teresa Solis highlighted the AMAD Office dedication in supporting farmers in marketing their produce. Solis encouraged the town’s onion producers for collaboration with cooperatives, leveraging their retail networks to enhance farmers’ incomes. She also emphasized the benefits of utilizing DA-provided cold storage facilities, particularly during off-peak seasons, to optimize pricing and ensure market stability.

Similarly, DA-Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) Chief, Ryan Rasgo underscored the significant potentials of onions emphasizing the importance of effective pest management strategies. Rasgo expressed confidence in the Municipal Agriculturist’s expertise in implementing Integrated Pest Management practices, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices in the event of pest and disease outbreaks in the town.

The celebration not only honors its rich cultural heritage but also underscores the invaluable contributions of its onion farmers to the local economy. With unwavering support from government agencies and a shared commitment to agricultural innovation, the future looks promising for Bagumbayan’s farming community. 

The festivity was also graced by DA-Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS) Chief, James Earl Ogatis, and DA-Science Research Specialist II April Joy Depamaylo. Their attendance underscored the government’s commitment to advancing agricultural research and promoting technological innovations in onion production. # (By: MSSubang/DA-RAFIS 6 | Photos by: JEEOgatis and AJPDepamaylo)