Youth call for agri echoed in Agri-Fair
The call to regain the interest of the youth to go on farming echoed last Tuesday during the opening program of the four-day SandugoAgri-Fair 2019 held at the City Hall/ Bohol Agricultural Promotion Center (BAPC) Grounds, Dao, Tagbilaran City.
Provincial Administrator, Atty. Kathyrin Fe D. Pioquinto for and in behalf of Governor Arthur C. Yap in her inspirational message urged the Boholanosto help in convincing and inspiring the youth to revive their interest in agriculture not just to become mere farmers but entrepreneurs.
Pioquinto said that it is really true that agriculture is facing several challenges nowadays to include climate change and aging farmers.
She said that in Gov. Yap’s administration agriculture is given more focus coupled with tourism to boost economy in the province.
Atty. Pioquinto recalled that when Yap was in congress he authored and passed into law the “Free Irrigation Act”, among other laws that has benefited the farmers.
On his part, Atty. Salvador D. Diputado, Regional Director, Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) 7 in his message expressed apprehension on the declining number of farmers and agricultural areas due to land conversion from agricultural to commercial.
Diputado said that it is sad to note that the average age of farmers is 59.
He challenged the members of the SangguniangPanlalawigan to pass an ordinance requiring all elementary and K-12 graduates to undergo gardening and entrepreneurial skill programs.
Diputado further challenged the provincial lawmakers to draw measures that strictly implement the land classification to deter the decreasing areas of agricultural land.
The DA Regional Director said he is elated that the new governor in Bohol was a former secretary of the DA.
Also in the opening program,Diputado led the distribution of farm machineries from the DA to the farmer association beneficiaries.
On the other hand, former chairman of the Committee on Agriculture of the SangguniangPanlalawiganAtty. Abeleon R. Damalerio in lieu of former governor and now 1st District Congressman Edgar M. Chattosaid that agriculture and tourism are the priority programs of the former governor in the province.
Damaleriobaredthat in the nine consecutive years of service as governor in Bohol, Chatto considered agriculture as economic driver for Bohol’s economy in tandem with tourism.
He said that several programs and interventions are given by the administration of Chatto to the farmers, fisher folks and other agri-stakeholders.
In the program, assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas acknowledged the guests and participants of the SandugoAgri-Fair 2019 after Phileos Blanco who represented Mayor Baba Yap could deliver the welcome message.
The four-day SandogAgri-Fair 2019 has culminated through an awarding and closing ceremony last Friday at the City Hall/ Bohol Agricultural Promotion Center (B-APC). (AtoyCosap)
SUCCESSFUL CELEBRATION.The Provincial Government of Bohol created anew a cliché in showcasing the Boholano agricultural products and recognizing the Boholano farmers’ efforts in agriculture during the four-day celebration of the SandugoAgri-Fair 19 held at the CityHall/B-APC Grounds, Dao, Tagbilaran City last Tuesday to Friday. Atty. Kathyrin Fe D. Pioquintofor and in behalf of Gov. Arthur C. Yap leads the ribbon cutting during the opening of the fair last Tuesday. FotoJUN CANETE AMORA (OPA STAFF)
