AGRI DAY. Various innovative products and sharing of technologies are featured at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena's Agriculture Day.
LAOAG CITY -- Various innovative agricultural technologies, products, and services are being displayed at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena in this city, in celebration of the province’s “Bicentennial Tienda ni Gob” Summer Trade Fair, which runs from May 16-22.
The activity also featured the Agriculture Cluster Day as a continuous support to local micro, small, and medium enterprises, which was participated in by the Provincial Agriculture Office, Mariano Marcos State University, Philippine Rice Research Institute, Department of Trade and Industry, and the Department of Science and Technology.
Also known as Agriculture Day, the weeklong activity is also part of the yearlong celebration of the 200th Foundation Anniversary of Ilocos Norte with the theme: “Natibker A Komersio Para Iti Nadur-as Nga Ilokano (Strengthening Commerce for Progressive Ilokanos)."
Lecturers on new technologies and updates on services were discussed by experts of the sponsoring agencies aside from the various agricultural products that were featured by participating institutions.
The trade fair comprises 80 booths established by different local entrepreneurs, agrarian stakeholders, and local government units (LGUs) that showcase quality and exportable products.
The municipalities of Sarrat and Paoay highlight the binakol and inabel, respectively. Both hand-woven textiles are considered Ilocos Norte’s heritage fabric, which were made into a variety of items including formal garments and bags.
Boasting their agricultural produce are the towns of Pinili, Banna, Dingras, San Nicolas, Solsona, and Vintar, which showcase vegetables and other crops. Also, the town of Adams and Dumalneg trade locally-produced fruit wines.
“I appreciate the prime movers of this program and for giving the local government units, small-and-medium enterprises, and agencies the opportunity to showcase their developed products and services to various stakeholders,” said Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Angelo Marcos Barba on Monday.
Looking at the various local food items, Barba said he is happy that the skills and knowledge that Ilocanos acquire in agriculture, technology generation, and entrepreneurship have eked their way to various regions in the country and were replicated by other industry owners and food entrepreneurs.
“Like our famous bagnet,” Barba said referring to the delectable fried pork which has been copied by other various food enthusiasts in the Philippines and call it lechon kawali.
Meanwhile, MMSU President Dr. Shirley Agrupis said the Bicentennial Tienda ni Gob is a proof of the unity and resiliency of the Ilocanos in terms of developing new products and providing expert services to the grassroots.
“We are very lucky because various agencies and LGUs in the province are now doing intensive researches and extension services to improve of lives of the communities,” she said.
Speaking before a crowd of various stakeholders, Agrupis presented the strategic goals of MMSU which she wants help from LGUs, agencies, farmers, and entrepreneurs so that these would gain impetus as MMSU and PGIN move forward in attaining their respective ACHIEVE and Paspas Dur-as agenda.
“Since you are an integral part of ACHIEVE, my seven-point agenda, I ask your help in attaining these goals,” she said, adding that the victory of MMSU in its battle of instituting agricultural reforms in the countryside is also a feat of all the LGUs, agencies, and enterprises of Ilocos Norte.
Agrupis emphasized the MMSU’s one town, one technology (OTOTech) that is gaining headway in the province.
She, too, instructed the university’s extension directorate to consult with all LGUs in Ilocos Norte of their concerns and problems and how MMSU can help them.
OTOTech is one of the University’s ways of helping the communities develop their own technologies through bottoms-up research approach, and complementing it with the LGUs’ one town, one product items.
“When properly developed and generated through our initiative, we could make our products competitive in local and international markets,” she said, noting that MMSU has been seeking the help of DA’s Bureau of Agricultural Research to allot a budget for these projects.
Anent to this, the MMSU president hopes to forge at least one memorandum of agreement with every LGU in Ilocos Norte the conduct innovative researches, extension programs, and entrepreneurial activities which are in-line with every LGU’s field of interest. (PNA)
