“I have asked our young but talented Veterinarian and rural development advocate Dr. Roland Fajardo to design a program for Palawan’s Wagyu Industry linked to its Tourism Industry,” Piñol informed.
He said that the forum is in response to the incessant requests by agri-entrepreneurs and farmers in Palawan who requested them to share more information on the opportunities offered by Wagyu and high-value Beef Production.
He described Palawan as one of the provinces in the country that has not performed well in terms of agricultural production but has lots of potentials and opportunities.
“Palawan is an Agricultural Backwater whose main products are mainly marine harvested from its wide coastal areas. Its Land-based Agriculture has a lackluster performance with Cashew Nuts as the main product. The Mango Industry faces serious Cecid Fly problems and the Rice and Corn Production is affected by soil nutrients management issues,” Piñol explained.
But he declared that Palawan has a huge advantage in Livestock and Poultry Farming since it is an island-province not affected by bio-security threats.
“This is the main reason why I gave in to the request of Clink Hagedorn, son of the late (Mayor and Congressman) Edward Hagedorn, to conduct the Wagyu Forum in Palawan.This is a very strategic move because Wagyu Beef produced in Palawan could actually become one of the tourism lures of the province,” the former cabinet official said.
Because of this he urged interested farmers and agri-entrepreneurs in Palawan join them in discovering a new frontier in the tourism industry and a boost to local food production.
“Now, imagine this: When Palawan becomes a Wagyu Producer and local resorts and restaurants offer affordable premium Wagyu steak, tourists will definitely be lured to the beautiful island which offers the mouth-watering Wagyu Beef on top of the beautiful beaches and natural wonders,” the former agriculture secretary said.
