NEWS

“Tabo sa Bohol” continues

The Agri-Fishery Retail Terminal Tabo in some municipalities and in the Old Tagbilaran City Airport continue to be conducted to help the consuming public to buy agri-fishery products at the lower prices compared to the malls and wet markets in this time of crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rosanna G. Lamdagan, Chief-Agribusiness Division, OPA said that there are three towns in Bohol wherein the Tabo have been conducted on the following days namely: Dauis on every Sunday and Wednesday; Albur (every Tuesday); Moadto Strip, Modalla Resort, Doljo, Panglao (every Saturday and Sunday).

Lamdagan bared that of all the mobile markets, the Tabo in Albur has registered the highest sales which has an average of P280, 000 per day and the lowest is at the Old City Airport which has an average of P20,000 per day only; while Dauis has an average sales of P250,000/day and P100, 000/day at Moadto Strip.

The exhibitors now at the Old City Airport were the exhibitors before the tabo at the CPG Park fronting Bohol Wisdom School, CPG North Avenue, Cogon District, Tagbilaran City but transferred to their new location after they were affected by the construction of the Showcase Center and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) First Engineering District drainage project.

Lamdagan said that the PGBh has already drawn a measure to ease the dismal condition of the exhibitors at the old airport by allowing them to sell their products at the basketball court beside the CPG Park every Monday and Friday when the COVID-19 cases will subside. (with report from Atoy Cosap)

OPA promotes corn hybridization to Bohol farmers

In order to achieve the desired target on the Advanced Rural Transformation (ART) Corn Technology 100 program, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) has been promoting the use of farm mechanization and corn hybridization to the Boholano farmers, improving productivity.

The government is also setting the tone between the financing institution and its conduit for easy access on loans to the farmers for land preparation in the coming planting season on April and May.

Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas said that the goal for ART Corn Technology 100 to yield 100 cavans of shelled corn per hectare (ha.) is achievable if the farmers would adopt the modern way of corn farming.

Pamugas bared that the interventions to the farmers on the clustered known corn municipalities include: giving free corn seeds and 2 bags of organic fertilizer per ha., and providing technical assistance.

CORN TOWNS AND HECTARAGE

Provincial Corn Coordinator Leon Parac, Jr. disclosed that the clustered known corn towns in Bohol are Carmen, Sagbayan, Ubay, Sierra-Bullones, Dagohoy, San Miguel, Alicia, Anda, Valencia, Dimiao, Trinidad and Danao.

Parac said that Bohol has 15,000 has. of corn potential areas wherein of these areas only 4,489.76 has. were planted last planting season, thus the provincial government has continued the call to till the other potential areas which can contribute food sufficiency in Bohol.

During the urgent meeting called by Dr. Pamugas last Tuesday participated by farmers coops and irrigation associations presidents, Cecilio Clarete, Manager- Bohol Lending Center, Land Bank of the Philippines, Tagbilaran City stated the readiness of LBP to grant loans to the farmers through the coop conduits.

Clarete stressed that the bank had already released loans for the purchase of 40 tractors which are now serving at the different farmers’ associations in Bohol.

Based on statistics, a Boholano has registered 4.62 kilograms (kgs.) per capita consumption for corn very much lower than that of rice which has registered at 115 kgs.

MARKETING ASPECT

Arnel Terec, Marcela Farm Special Project In- Charge said that as of now their buying price of shelled corn is P12-P12.50 per kilo for white variety and P13-P13.50 per kilo for yellow variety.

Terec emphasized that Marcela Farm is still open for the negotiation to come up with the marketing agreement of P15 buying price per kilo just for the benefits of the corn farmers in Bohol.

Meanwhile, Rocky Tidon from the Philippines Crops Insurance Corporation(PCIC) assured the farmers for their continued service.

Tidon urged the farmers to make sure that their planted agricultural products must be insured at the PCIC because of the uncertainty in farming nowadays due to climate change. (with report from Atoy Cosap)

Ubi Festival ’21 culminates on Thurs.

The month-long celebration of the Ubi Festival 2021 in the New Norm which was started last January
25, 2021 will culminate on Thursday at the Old City Airport, Tagbilaran City.
Gov. Art C. Yap in the province of Bohol will lead other provincial officials to recognize and give
awards to the winners in the different contests and to deliver messages during closing and awarding
ceremony.
Gov. Yap will be accompanied by Vice Gov. Rene L. Relampagos, Rep. Edgar M. Chatto, provincial
board members, Provincial Administrator Atty. Kathyrin Pioquinto, Provincial Agriculturist Liza M.
Quirog, Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas and Josephine Cabarrus to handover the
prizes to the winners of the Bugno sa Rondalla, Ubi Balitaw, Del Horest and Sarah Geronimo voices
alike, Ubi cook-off, motorcade, pinaka, cooked Ubi eating, tabirak eating, highest volume of Ubi display,
most outstanding Ubi grower, most cooperative LGU, highest gross sales of Art Tabo sa Bohol and
highest gross sales exhibitors of Ubi Festival.
It maybe recalled that during the opening program, Yap underscored the Boholano Ubi growers of
expanding and sustaining the Ubi industry in Bohol.
Yap emphasized that the provincial government has always supporting the farmers through the
Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice Gov. Relampagos by allocating appropriate funds for the
agriculture sector.
He likewise encouraged the farmers to produce more by titling more Ubi areas as he acknowledged the
good harvest and high yield this season.
Esmeraldo Maligsa, president-Bohol Ubi Growers Association (BUGA) thanked the provincial
government of Bohol for making the Ubi Festival into a month-long celebration.
Maligsa said that this is a great opportunity given to the Boholano farmers for them to have good sales
and big profit considering the longer period of selling.
He said that the Ubi growers have high yield this harvest season and this is evident of more Ubi tubers
have been displayed at the venue.
The BUGA president said that the 150 strong members of the association are united to support the
agricultural program of Gov. Art C. Yap especially in the Ubi industry.
At the Ubi Festival, not only the Ubi tubers of different varieties are being sold but also other agri-
commodities such as: cassava, gabi, banana, sweet potato, apale, vegetables, fruits, eggs, dried fish,
favourite Boholano delicacies among others.
There are also nightly activities that entertain the people while eating at the Food Fair.
The venue has been decorated with plantitos/ plantitas making the surrounding green and fresh.
The Ubi Festival 2021 in the New Norm has been participated by 18 known municipalities namely:
Baclayon, Cortes, Dauis, Panglao, Sikatuna, Tagbilaran City, Carmen, Pilar, Loon, San Miguel, Dimiao,
Jagna, San Isiddro, Balilihan, Sevilla, Loay, Anda, Valencia and two farmers associations to wit: BUGA
and Cabudlan Farmers Association in Cabudlan, Ubay.
The festival has been institutionalized through an ordinance that aims to recognize and awards the
Boholano farmers who have engaged in Ubi farming.

OPERATION SUSPENDED

The operation of the Ubi Fest has been temporarily suspended since last Friday due to strong wind
brought about by tropical storm “Auring”.
Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas said that about six tents at the venue were
destroyed due to strong wind.
Howevwer, he said that probably tomorrow the operation resumes if the weather would be good up to
Wednesday which is the culmination day.(Atoy Cosap)

UBI FESTIVAL CULMINATION. The Ubi Festival 2021 in the New Norm at the Old City
Airport, Tagbilaran City will culminate on Thursday. The month-long celebration was
started last January 25, 2021 and will culminate on February 25, 2021 showcasing not
only the different varieties of Ubi but also other agricultural products at the Old City
Airport, Tagbilaran City as the Bohol Ubi Growers Association (BUGA) through its
president Esmeraldo Maligsa (left photo) thanks the provincial government for the
constant support given to them in the quest to flourish the Ubi industry in Bohol.

Month-long Ubi Fest ‘21 enters 7th day today

The month-long celebration of the Ubi Festival in the New Norm is on its seventh day today at the
Old City Airport, Tagbilaran City.
Gov. Art C. Yap formally opened the activities last Monday that would culminate on February 24,
2021.
At the opening program, Gov. Yap underscored the efforts of the Boholano Ubi growers of expanding
and sustaining the Ubi industry in Bohol.
Gov. Yap encouraged the farmers to produce more by tilling more Ubi areas as he acknowledged the
good harvest and high yield this season.
He said more production could be achieved if the Ubi growers would want to do the same way the
Advanced Rice Technology (ART) 160 (Hybrid Rice) and ART 120 (Inbred Rice) programs of the
provincial government.
Yap stressed that at first, the Boholano rice farmers believed that achieving the target of 160 sacks of
palay yield per hectare for hybrid rice and 120 sacks of palay yield/ hectare for inbred were remote and
impossible.
But he said during this harvest season, the barangay San Isidro in Talibon has registered a significant
record when there were farmers surpassed the targeted yield from 160 sacks per hectare for hybrid to 220
sacks while the targeted 120 sacks per hectare for inbred to 140 sacks.
The governor expressed high hope that the Ubi industry in Bohol will flourish.
However, he explained that reaching the height of this endeavor would be based on the strong
determination of the Boholano farmers.
Board Member Aldner Damalerio in lieu of First District Congressman Edgar M. Chatto, Miss
Universe Philippines 3 rd Runner-up Pauline C. Amelinckx, Ambassador for Tourism and Roman Dabalos,
Head-PATCO-Bohol delivered their messages of support as Board Member Ricky Masamayor
represented Vice Governor Rene L. Relampagos to give the message.
City Mayor John Geesnell “Baba” Yap in his welcome message also lauded the efforts of the
Boholano farmers who have been engaged in Ubi farming.
Aside from selling Ubi products and agri-commodities, the first week of the celebration was
highlighted with contests. Winners were: Bugno sa Rondalla – 1 st prize (San Isidro), 2 nd (Panglao), and 3 rd
(Sikatuna); Ubi Balitaw – 1 st prize (Reymart T. Paderog/Shiena Jane C. Arais-BUGA), 2 nd (Christian
Kient Lacea/Anna Ricci Gomez-Sikatuna), 3 rd (Aida A. Rejas/ Jay Rennan M. Mijares-Carmen).
Del Horest Voice Alike – 1 st (Lito Hangad – Balilihan), 2 nd (Raul Arbotante – Panglao), and 3 rd (Rico
Casul – Carmen); Sarah Geronimo Voice Alike – 1 st (Sarah Jane Lugo – Loon), 2 nd (Algie Olayon – Anda)
and 3 rd (Ma. Alyn Sayson – Carmen).
Motorcade winners – 1 st prize (Tagbilaran City), 2 nd (Panglao), and 3 rd (Loon); Pinaka of Different Ubi
Varieties – Kinampay (Arnulfo Calag – Baclayon), Binanag, Tam-isan and Kabus-ok (Allan Madronero –
Dimiao), Iniling (Nicolas Cabusao – Carmen), Baligonhon (Jacky Gonzales – San Miguel) and Binato/
Binugas (Esmeraldo Maligsa – Bohol Ubi Growers Association(BUGA)).
Highest Volume of Ubi Display winners – 1 st (Dauis – 1,902.65 kilograms), 2 nd (Jagna – 1,899.11
kgs.), 3 rd (Carmen – 1,842.60); Cooked Ubi Eating Contest – Arnulfo Calag (Baclayon) – male category,
Rosalia Gascar (Carmen) – female category; and for the Tabirak Eating Contest – Robie Sapid (Balilihan)
– male category, Jennifer Aranzado (Dauis) – female category.
There are 19 Ubi known towns participating the Ubi Festival ’21 in the New Norm. These are the
towns of Anda, Carmen, San Isidro, Jagna, Loon, Tagbilaran City, Cortes, Balilihan, Sikatuna, Baclayon,
Dauis,Panglao, Duero, Loay, Valencia, Sevilla, San Miguel and Pilar. Participating associations are the Bohol Ubi
Growers Association (BUGA) and Cabudlan Farmer’s Association in Ubay town.
Assistant Provincial Agriculture Larry M. Pamugas emphasized that the conduct of the month-long
celebration of Ubi Festival in the New Norm has strictly followed the basic health protocols to avoid the
possible spread of corona virus.

FESTIVAL OPENING. Gov. Art C. Yap (left photo) delivers his inspirational message during the opening
program of the 21 st Ubi Festival in the New Norm at the Old City Airport, Tagbilaran City last Monday of which
he underscores the efforts of the Ubi growers in Bohol in expanding and sustaining the Ubi industry in the
province.

Dimiao Ubi grower bags most of PinakaUbitilts

The Ubi grower from the town of Dimiao bagged most of the Pinaka contest of different Ubi varieties as one of
the several contests highlighted the month-long celebration of Ubi Festival 2021 in the New Norm at the Old City
Airport, Tagbilaran City.
Allan T. Madronero from Malijao, Dimiao won three of the seven varieties. These were Tam-isanwhich weighed
20.8 kilograms (kgs.); Kabus-ok, 9.8kgs.; and Binanag, 8.8 kgs.
As each variety has a prize of P5,000, Madronero would receive P15, 000 during the awarding and closing
ceremony of the festival on February 24, 2021 at the Old City Airport.
Other winners of the contest were ArnulfoCalag from Baclayon for his biggest UbiKinampay weighing 10.8
kgs., EsmeraldoMaligsa from Corella – Binugas(7.2 kgs.), Jacky Gonzales from San Miguel – Baligonhon (17.2
kgs.), and Nicolas Cabusao of Carmen – Iniling (6.8 kgs.).
The Pinaka contest of the different varieties of Ubi in Bohol gave the real meaning of the celebration as Bohol is
known for Ubi especially the UbiKinampay which is more aromatic compared to other provinces.
Rosanna G. Lamdagan, Head, Agri-Business Division, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist(OPA) said that
conducting different contests with big prizes at stake will encourage Boholano farmers to engage Ubi farming.
Other contests being conducted were Most Outstanding Ubi growers, Highest Volume of Ubi Display,
UbiBalitaw, Del Horest and Sarah Geronimo voices alike, cooked Ubi Eating, Tabirak Eating, Motorcade and
BugnosaRondalla contests.
In the opening program last January 25, 2021, Gov. Art C. Yap underscored the efforts of the Ubi growers in
expanding and sustaining the Ubi industry in Bohol.
The governor keeps urging growers to till more areas for Ubi to produce more tubers.
Bohol Ubi Growers Association (BUGA) President EsmeraldoMaligsa said that association records show the
number of farmers engaged in Ubi farming is increasing.
Maligsa stressed that they have more yield of Ubi this harvest season as evident by the increase in Ubi tubers
displayed at the festival.
He thanked the provincial government for the Ubidispersal program of which they had given more than 11,000
kgs. ofUbi planting materials last planting season. (AtoyCosap)

BIGGEST UBI TUBERS. Allan Madronero (right photo) from Malijao, Dimiao bags most of the PinakaUbi
contest in different varieties in the Ubi Festival 2021 in the New Norm on going at the Old City Airport,
Tagbilaran City as one of the highlights of the month-long celebration.

2nd Day Ubi Festival in the New Norm

The second day of the Ubi Festival 2021 in the New Norm showcasing the different varieties of Ubi in Bohol especially the “Kinampay” and other agri-commodities at the Old City Airport in Tagbilaran City had full of so many activities.As early as 8:00 in the morning, the buyers trooped at the festival to buy Ubi products and other agri-commodities, plants from the plantitos/plantitas and favorite Boholano delicacies that would end at 8:30 pm.After lunch, there were different contests being conducted to highlight the celebration such Ubi Balitaw, Del Horest and Sarah Geronimo Voices Alike, Cooked Ubi Eating, Tabirak Eating and Pinaka Contest that would really give happiness to the exhibitors, buyers, and all the people inside the venue.At 6:00 in the evening, the people inside the Old City Airport were entertained by the different bands while eating at the food fair.The month-long celebration will end on February 24, 2021 wherein the awarding and closing program will be conducted of which the winners of all the contests will be given their prizes.#Ubifestival2021 #InTheNewNorm

Ubi Festival Opening Program

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through Gov. Art C. Yap and other provincial offices has formally started yesterday, January 25, 2021 the Ubi Festival 2021 in the New Norm at the Old City Airport, Tagbilaran City.The month-long festival which carries the theme “Pagpananum ug Ubi Napuslan, Kagutom nga Dala sa COVID-19 Nabatukan” showcasing the Ubi Kinampay and other varieties will culminate on February 24, 2021.The colorful motorcade from the 21 participating municipalities and other exhibitors added the opening program more meaningful.Gov. Yap on this inspiration message underscored the efforts of the Boholano Ubi growers who have helped the provincial government to expand and sustain the Ubi industry in Bohol.The governor urged the buyers, sellers and all the people who troop at the festival to strictly follow the basic health protocols.Board Member Aldner Damalerio in Lieu of Congressman Edgar M. Chatto, and Board Member Ricky U. Masamayor who represented Vice Governor Rene Relampagos, and PATCO – Head Roman Dabalos in messages of support assured the Ubi growers to give the necessary support for their endeavor towards Ubi industry.On the second day (Tuesday), the Ubi Festibal has being highlighted with different contests such as; Cooked Ubi Eating, Tabirak Eating, Del Horest & Sarah Geronimo Voice Alike and Ubi Balitaw.Aside from usual selling of Ubi products and other agri-products, the daily activities up to February 24, 2021 include; Techno-Fora, Nightly Entertainment, Food Fair, Arnis Demo, Cycling, among others.#ubifestival2021 #inTheNewNorm

Month-long Ubi Festival 2021 in New Norm starts tomorrow

All systems go for the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) in holding the month-long celebration of Ubi
Festival 2021 in the New Norm to showcase the different varieties of Ubi in the province especially the Kinampay.
The Ubi Festival in the New Norm carries the theme “Pagpananum ug Ubi Napuslan, Kagutom nga Dala sa
COVID-19 Nabatukan” will start tomorrow, January 25, 2021 and culminates on February 24, 2021 at the Old City
Airport, Tagbilaran City.
Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas said the PGBh through the Provincial Technical Working
Group (PTWG) upon the directive of Gov. Art C. Yap had already drawn several measures to ensure the safety of all
the people who will troop to the festival.
Dr. Pamugas disclosed that part of the measures is the holding of the fest at the Old City Airport where social
distancing can be properly observed considering its wide area.
He said the distance between exhibitor booths is five meters while two meters for the table with barriers for the
sellers who are wearing facemasks and face shields.
The wearing of facemask is a must upon entering the venue, wherein all the people should undergo a temperature
check, handwashing with alcohol, foot bath before filling up the log sheets for contact tracing and moving in one
direction inside, he said.
The Assistant Provincial Agriculturist emphasized that inside the venue, the 50 percent allowable capacity will
be strictly followed. Supposing if the 50% allowable capacity would be fully occupied, the entrance gate be
automatically closed and the probable buyers outside would stay at the holding and waiting area with tents and the
numbers from them are allowed only to get inside would be based on the number of buyers who would go out from
the venue.
He said that some members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Provincial Security Force (PSF) would
help in controlling the number of people from getting inside.
Moreover, the conduct of Literary Musical Contests such as UbiBalitaw, Del Horest and Sarah Geronimo Voices
Alike, each contestant must bring his/her own microphone.
Other contests to highlight the festival are the Bugno sa Rondalla (farmer’s category), Pinaka of different Ubi
varieties, motorcade, highest volume of Ubi display, cooked Ubi eating, tabirak eating and outstanding Ubi grower
contests.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Aside from usual selling of Ubi products and other agri-commodities, displaying of ornamental and flowering
plants, there are also food fair, nightly entertainment, cycling, running, techno-fora, jogging, zumba, arnis demo,
Ubi cook off to be conducted to make the event more colorful, Pamugas added.
LGUs/NGAs/INDIVIDUAL EXHIBITORS
Some 18 known Ubi municipalities have registered to participate the festival namely: Anda, Carmen, San Isidro,
Jagna, Loon, Tagbilaran City, Cortes, Balilihan, Sikatuna, Baclayon, Dauis,Panglao, Duero, Loay, Valencia, Sevilla,
San Miguel and Pilar while for the associations are the Bohol Ubi Growers Association (BUGA) and Cabudlan
Farmer’s Association in Ubay town.
For the agri-fishery products exhibitors: 3C Enterprise, PNB-KGB MPC, Bilar STEM, Sevilla Fruits, Sevilla
Vegetables, KapunungansaBol-anongOrganikong Mag-uuma(KBoOM), Totsie Farmers Store, Arjhel’s Farm,
Grainstar, Flor’s Fruits, BUSEO, Obles Fruits, Bohol Fish Trader’s Group, Garrote’s Dried Fish, Edna’s Dried Fish,
Edlyn’s Dried Fish, Amparo’s Fruits, and Angie’s Fruits.
While for the processed foods exhibitos: BFARCO, OH! Some Bites, EJ’s UBE Halaya, Basak Bistro, P&P,
A.I.M. For Progress, Evalyn’sSweet Corn, BODACO, 4-H Club Federation, PRDP I-REAP Proponent Groups,
Sweet Disposition, Bastillas Variety Shop, BBC, Marcela Farm, Our Deli Bread, and BAGELS & Bakery.
And for the plantito/plantita: Bohol Gardeners and Landscaper Association (BGLA), GLBA, 0216 Home
Garden, Maeson’s Home Garden, Josie’s Garden, Esther’s Garden, Maritess and DY Jeans Plantitas, Merlin’s
Garden, Cheya’s Plants and Eglee’s Garden.
On tomorrow’s opening program of the Ubi Festival in the New Norm, Gov. Yap will lead in the giving of
messages and opening of exhibits. (Atoy Cosap)

CAPTION:
UNDER NEW NORM. The Provincial Government of Bohol will once again recognize the efforts among
Boholano Ubi growers during the month-long celebration of Ubi Festival ’21 in the New Norm at the Old City
Airport, Tagbilaran City which will commence tomorrow up to February 24, 2021.

Month-long Ubifest ‘21 set Jan. 25 to Feb. 24

Amid COVID-19 pandemic, the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) will celebrate the Ubi Festival 2021
with a longer period from January 25 to February 24.
Activities are slated at the Tarmac Area, Old City Airport, Tagbilaran City, if the Civil Aviation Authority of the
Philippines (CAAP) would grant the request that the area would be the venue.
Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas said that this month-long celebration of showcasing the
different varieties of Ubi in the province of Bohol will be conducted so as not to jampack the buyers, considering
restrictions amid Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr. Pamugas said that the 30-day festival will be filled with activities and contests such as Highest Value of Ubi
Display, Ubi Eating Contest, Best New Ubi Processed Products, Pinaka, Literary and Musical Contests; and nightly
entertainment and food fair.
Other activities to highlight the celebration are the cooking demonstrations of which the members of the Bohol
Association of Hotel Resorts and Restaurant (BAHHR) will demonstrate the manner of preparing food or style of
cooking using Ubi as the main ingredient, Ubi processing and Ubi Techno-Fora that deals about production to
include pests and diseases of Ubi.
Pamugas said that the Ubi Festival ’21 will kick off through a motorcade on January 25, 2021 at 8 a.m. Jump off
area will be at the Capitol Ground going to New Capitol Site Road – Hangos St. – J.A. Clarin- City Hall Grounds –
Calceta St.- back to J.A. Clarin St.- PNB-CPG Avenue – City Airport Road down to the venue to be participated by
Local Government Units, Ubi Growers, Non-Government Associations, Peoples’ Organization and Technical
Working Group on Ubi Fest.
At the opening program, Governor Art C. Yap will give his inspirational message while Vice-Governor Rene L.
Relampagos, Rep. Edgar M. Chatto (1st District), Rep. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado (2nd District), Rep. Kristine
Alexie B. Tutor (3rd District), and DA 7-Regional Executive Director Salvador D. Diputado will deliver their
messages as City Mayor John Geesnell “Bab” Yap will give the welcome message after Dr. Pamugas acknowledges
the participants.
Gov. Yap will lead in the ribbon cutting and opening of exhibits to be assisted by Vice Gov. Relampagos,
SangguniangPanlalawigan Members, City Mayor Yap, and Dr. Pamugas.
About 26 Ubi known municipalities and one city are expected to participate in this festival namely: Tagbilaran
City, Cortes, Balilihan, Corella, Sikatuna, Baclayon, Dauis, Panglao, Albur, Dimiao, Duero, Bilar, Valencia, Batuan,
Lila, Ubay, Talibon, Calape, Loon, Antequera, Maribojoc, San Isidro, Pilar, Carmen, Alicia, Trinidad and Jagna.
Pamugas bared that this would be the first time that the Ubi Festival has allocated a big budget in a tune of
almost P3 million with the duration of one month and the strong coordination with other departments of the
provincial government such as Provincial Budget Office, Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, Center for Culture
and Arts Development, Provincial General Services Office, PRIMER, Provincial Engineer’s Office, and Bohol
Investment Promotion Center who composed the Technical Working Group (TWG).
The Assistant Provincial Agriculturist said that he already created the different working committees and
conducted the series of preparatory meetings for the successful celebration of Ubi Festival ’21 which also sells not
only Ubi products but also other commodities.
Pamugas emphasized that the provincial government has chosen the Old Tagbilaran City Airport as the venue of
the festival to ensure the implementation of basic health protocols would be followed especially physical distancing.
The venue providesa wide area for the activities. (AtoyCosap)

PREPATORY MEETING. The Technical Working Group on Ubi Festival 2021, led by Assistant Provincial
Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas is in the thick of preparation for the upcoming one month celebration of Ubi
Festival 2021 which is slated on January 25-February 24, 2021 at the Old City Airport in Tagbilaran City.

Work group assures to follow protocol during Ubi Fest ‘21

The Provincial Technical Working Group (PTWG) on Ubi Festival ’21 in the New Norm assured the public that
strict implementation of the basic protocols is a must in conducting the festival slated on January 25 to February 24,
2021, at the Old City Airport, Tagbilaran City to avoid the possible spread of coronavirus.
This was stressed by Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas who led the PTWG in conducting the
three preparatory meetings.
Dr. Pamugas said that Gov. Art C. Yap has directed the PTWG to draw measures ensuring the conduct of the Ubi
Festival in the New Norm to avoid affliction of the dreaded disease.
Pamugas disclosed that part of the measure they have drawn is the holding of the fest at the Old City Airport
where social distancing can be properly observed considering its wide area.
In fact, he said that the distance between exhibitor booths is 10 meters while two meters for the table with
barriers for the sellers and buyers.
He said that the wearing of a facemask is a must and upon entering the venue, guests should undergo a
temperature check, hand washing with alcohol, foot bath before filling up log sheets for contact tracing.
Inside the venue, he clarified that they will follow the 50 percent allowable capacity wherein the members of the
Philippine National Police (PNP) and Provincial Security Force (PSF) would help in controlling the number of
people from getting inside.
The month-long festival carries the theme “Pagpananum ug Ubi Napuslan, Kagutom nga Dala sa COVID-19
Nabatukan” will kick off with a motorcade on January 25, 2021, 1 p.m. from the Capitol Grounds – New Capitol
Site Road – Hangos Street – J.A. Clarin St. – City Hall Grounds – Calceta Street – J.A. Clarin St. – CPG Avenue –
City Airport Road/ Benigno Aquino Road down to the Old City Airport for the formal opening of the program.
In the opening program, Gov. Yap will lead in the giving of messages and the opening of exhibits.

SLATED CONTESTS

Aside from the usual activities of selling Ubi products and other agri-commodities, ornamental and flowering
plants (plantitos/plantitas), the Ubi Festival in the New Norm will be savored with different contests such as the
highest volume of Ubi display, Pinaka of different Ubi varieties, outstanding Ubi growers, cooked Ubi Eating, Ubi
Tabirak eating, Motorcade and literary musical contests (Bugno sa Rondalla, Ubi Balitaw, Del Horest and Sarah
Geronimo voices alike.
Other activities to highlight the festival are the nightly entertainment, food fair, techno fora, Ubi cook off, arnis
demo and Zumba.
Esmeraldo Maligsa, Bohol Ubi Growers Association (BUGA) president said that they have enough supply of Ubi
tubers to be sold at the festival of which the Ubi Kinampay can be bought at P90 per kilo and P70 for other varieties.
Maligsa said that BUGA which has more than 100 members and other Boholano Ubi growers have experienced a
good harvest this season.
The Ubi Festival has been institutionalized through an ordinance in the province aimed to recognize and award
farmers who have been helping the provincial government to expand and sustain the Ubi industry in Bohol. (Atoy
Cosap)

CAPTION;
VENUE INSPECTION. Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas (second from right, left photo)
leads the Provincial Technical Working Group (PTWG) forUbi Festival in the New Norm to inspect the Old
City Airport, Tagbilaran City after the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) had granted the
request of Gov. Art C. Yap to use the abandoned city airport as the venue of the month-long celebration of
Ubi Festival in the New Norm slated from January 25 to February 24, 2021.