By Ozanne Ono Allas
BALER, AURORA—As part of the celebration of the 39th Founding Anniversary of the Province of Aurora, the Department of Agriculture Central Luzon in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Aurora formally opened the “Araw ng Agrikultura 2018” on February 12 at the Capitol Ground, Baler, Aurora.
The Province of Aurora consists of eight municipalities which main livelihood is agriculture, employing approximately half of its population. The province major crops include rice, coconut, coffee, bananas, root crops, corn, citrus fruits, peanuts, and abaca.
Aurora Provincial Agriculturist Arnold Novicio metioned that the celebration is one way to recognize the hardships of farmers.
“Parang kailan lang nang simulan natin ang ganitong okasyon, ang pagbibigay ng isang natatanging araw para sa ating mga magsasaka, mag-aalaga ng hayop at mangingisda na siyang tinuturing na bayani ng makabagong panahon, ang tagapagpakain ng sambayanan.” exclaimed Novicio during his welcome remarks
Regional Technical Director for Operations and Extension Crispulo G. Bautista, Jr. served as the Guest of Honor, in lieu of Undersecretary for Operations Engr. Ariel T. Cayanan.
“Ang Aurora ay pumapangalawa bilang producer ng mais sa Central Luzon. Hindi rin papahuli ang Aurora pagdating sa organikong pagsasaka. Dagdag pa riyan ay nangunguna din ang Aurora sa cacao, coconut at coffee.” said as he read the message of the Usec. to the Aurorans.
“Under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), in terms of farm-to-market road (FMR) more than 100 million pesos worth of FMR projects were awarded to the province.” he continued
Bautista also dubbed the farmers and fisherfolks as “modern-day heroes”.
“We support these kind of activites in order to give recognition to our farmers and fisherfolks. You (farmers and fisherfolks) are worthy to be called as our “modern-day heroes” ended Bautista
More than 500 farmers and fisherfolk attended and participated in the annual celebration.
A ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the Agriculture Trade Fair was held after the main program.###