The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) officially launched the “1st Festival of Palawan Fruits” today, September 6, 2023. The event showcased an array of fresh fruits from local farmers across Palawan and took place at the Centennial Pavilion of the provincial capitol.
Dr. Romeo M. Cabungcal, leading OPA, collaborated with the Palawan Tarabidan Multi-Purpose Cooperative under the leadership of Mrs. Socorro S. Tan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Palawan Tarabidan MPC, who served as the KADIWA MIMAROPA Official Outlet.
The event featured a diverse range of fruits, including lanzones, rambutan, jackfruit, durian, native durian, marang, tabo, badak, guyabano, suha-pomelo, dragon fruit, and bananas. Additionally, various forest fruits like palau manok and palau baboy, mararing, and other endemic fruits unique to Palawan were made available to the public at affordable prices.
Dr. Cabungcal emphasized that the activity’s goal is to raise awareness among the populace about Palawan’s abundant fruit offerings. It also aims to assist local farmers in selling their quality organic products at fair prices while promoting better nutrition in the province.
“Why did we have the 1st Festival of Palawan Fruits? We noticed the abundance of fruits, particularly in Southern Palawan. So, we organized this event to let everyone know that we have an abundance of fruits in Palawan,” Dr. Cabungcal said.
In her message, DA-MIMAROPA Regional Executive Director Engr. Ma. Christine C. Enting praised OPA for pioneering this project, the first of its kind in the entire MIMAROPA region. She shared the administration’s mandate, led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and the current Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, to increase the production of various agricultural products, including high-value products. She encouraged all agencies involved in the agricultural sector to continue supporting small farmers and fisherfolk.
“Actually, this is the first time in MIMAROPA that we have a festival of fruits, and it’s happening here in Palawan. So, congratulations. On behalf of our President and at the same time Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, this is part of our secretary’s mandate to increase not only rice and corn production but also our high-value commercial crops, especially our fruits,” said RED Enting.
Mrs. Tan, in her message, shared the positive collaboration between OPA and DA-MIMAROPA in their shared goal of improving the income of farmers and fisherfolk in the province.
Meanwhile, the diverse fruits showcased at the event are expected to be available for purchase alongside the regular “Barakalan sa Kapitolyo” every Wednesday. This market offers various fresh and nutritious vegetables, poultry products, nuts, dried goods, and more.
Attending the event were Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Joshua U. Bolusa as the representative of Governor V. Dennis M. Socrates, Vice Governor Leoncio N. Ola, along with Board Members Ariston D. Arzaga, Juan Antonio E. Alvarez, Nieves C. Rosento, Ryan D. Maminta, Maria Angela V. Sabando, and Marivic H. Roxas.
Also present were DILG Provincial Director Virgilio Tagle, heads of provincial government departments, and representatives from other government agencies.
Dr. Cabungcal called on the public to continue supporting these products to assist Palaweños in the agricultural sector.
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