LAGAWE, Ifugao- – Committed to propelling growth and development in Ifugao, Board Member James Frederick Dulnuan reiterated recently his advocacy to provide adequate support to stakeholders in the agriculture sector.
The annual Agro-industrial Trade Fair, which is a centerpiece of the Gotad ad Ifugao festivity, has moved one step further in the service to the people with a major innovation on the side.
A showcase house, conceived under the leadership of Board Member Dulnuan and Provincial Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Office (PAENRO) OIC Catherine Buenaventura, complement various goals of the provincial government to help the agriculture sector and upgrade agri-business outputs. It is also focused on boosting the tourism industry. On the other hand, the project shall bring the “One Town, One Project (OTOP)” flagship program of the government one notch higher. As such, the need to prioritize this forward-looking initiative of the articulate and hardworking legislator of Banaue and the equally hard working Ms. Buenaventura is indeed important.
According to Board Member Dulnuan, the project ensures “the public that it would be beneficial to them.”
In an exclusive interview with the ZigZag Weekly, Board Member Dulnuan also stressed that noteworthy endeavors as this one deserve “deliberate and thoughtful consideration” by the provincial government.
“It should be the priority of the provincial government,” he quipped.
The 11 towns are given a designated entry house in which the municipality would be able to exhibit products, culture, tourist spots and investment opportunities, among others.
As for the chairman of the Education and Public Information committee at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Dulnuan said “it brings together all the farmers, agri-business owners, residents and those in government service, who all want to contribute in improving the agriculture sector.”
Farmer beneficiaries and agri-business owners are increasingly important to this impoverished province, suggesting the need to harness their expertise and potentials in nation-building.
“From a very, very close perspective, I would say that it is high time for us to look into the plight of our farmers,” he said. “How many of our farmers will be given appropriate assistance by the government?,” he queried. “Many times, we forget them,” he lamented.
“We hope that our province will benefit from this undertaking,” said Dulnuan.
He said the project is timely and relevant, emphasizing that it shall also instill creativity among competitors.
He appealed to lawmakers and concerned agencies to support the project.
Board Member Dulnuan is expected to actively move the local populace to participate with national government line agencies in identifying sites for display and competitive purposes and subsequently prioritize and implement this all-important project.
Board Member Dulnuan also serves as chairman of the agro-industrial trade fair contest while Ms. Buenaventura is the co-chairperson.
As more people prefer new “twists,” “trends” and “concepts” in the conduct of the Agro-Industrial Fair, Board Member Dulnuan also announced plans to give major prizes to the winners.
Over the years, the agro-industrial fair’s form at is antiquated, dull, boring and unattractive. It is so difficult to attract high-end tourists, to say the least.
That is why project proponents are pushing forward all systems for a major make-over of the activity thus, making sure that the contest shall be a resounding success. Odds are, there are more people this time who are taking part in the agro-industrial fair. Truly, this innovation is agriculture-friendly and people-centered. It’s time to make room for something new. **By Anthony A. Araos
