BONTOC, Mountain Province (PIA) — The Office of the Provincial Agriculture in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry formally opened the “Men-Ilako Tako Market Fair” at the Provincial Plaza here on July 2 as part of the 35th Cordillera Month celebration.
The agro-trade fair features and sells agricultural products of local farmers and a wide array of products made by micro, small and medium enterprises. This will run until July 30.
Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan Jr., said the market fair is a great way of showcasing the products of the province. He acknowledged that agriculture remains the primary source of income in Mtn. Province, the reason why agriculture is a priority of his administration.
DTI – Cordillera OIC Regional Director Juliet P. Lucas, meanwhile, said the Cordillera Month upholds the rich cultures of the different provinces of CAR, which are manifestation of the lifestyle and the livelihood of the people including the crafting of different products like the inabel, wine, among others. She advised that when crafting a product, make sure that it symbolizes the rich culture of the place. This is one of the things we can share to our fellow countrymen, she said.
Lucas also supported government putting importance on the agricultural sector as “food is the very basic need of the people.” She said that under the leadership of the new DTI secretary, they aim to increase the production of agricultural products through innovation that can be achieved through intensive researches.
She shared the importance of research in innovation for better productivity.
Part of the market fair opening was the awarding of certificates of appreciation to coffee farmers in the province who joined in the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition held last March 2022. **JDP/VJLT-PIA CAR, Mtn Province
