‘SUGBA’ PARTY. At least 2,000 kilos of tilapia are grilled by residents for free during the “Sugba sa Plaza” event marking the culmination of the farmers' and fisherfolks' month in Kidapawan City on Tuesday (May 30, 2023). Inset photo shows Kidapawan Mayor Jose Paolo Evangelista trying to hook a tilapia fish from the city plaza’s fountain basin. (Photo courtesy of Kidapawan CIO)
KIDAPWAN CITY, North Cotabato – Thousands of residents here flocked to the city square Tuesday to join the "Sugba sa Plaza" that aims to promote tilapia production.
"This is a showcase of our potential that needs to be cultivated and capacitate our farmers to improve their tilapia production,” Mayor Jose Paolo Evangelista said as the city marked the culmination of Farmers and Fisherfolks Month here.
To give the public a taste of the local tilapia, the city bought some 1,300 kilos of live tilapia for 2,000 residents.
“The tickets are for free,” the mayor said, adding that each coupon had a corresponding time of one hour between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to prevent overcrowding.
Each participant was given two pieces of tilapia for grilling (sugba) and a cup of cooked rice that must be consumed within an hour.
Evangelista said the city already has set programs to boost tilapia production aimed at capturing local and national markets.
The 25th Farmers and Fisherfolks Month celebration is anchored on the theme "Malinis na Kapaligiran, Gobyernong Maaasahan, Disiplinadong Mamamayan(Clean Environment, Reliable Government, Disciplined Citizens).” (PNA)
