Surigao City holds 1st Farmers and Fisherfolk Congress
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) -- The city government of Surigao, through the City Agriculture Office, converged the agricultural and fisheries sectors during the 1st Farmers and Fisherfolk Congress on May 28 at the city gymnasium.
This one-day event, in celebration of Farmers and Fisherfolk Month, gathered 1,012 farmers and fisherfolk from 54 barangays across Surigao City under the theme, "Pagpupugay sa mga Masisipag na Magsasaka at Mangingisda na Katuwang Tungo sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas."
The congress served as a vital platform for local farmers and fisherfolk to tackle current challenges, share innovative practices, and explore new opportunities within the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
Government agencies, including the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Agriculture, Department of Science and Technology, and the Department of Labor and Employment, participated in the activity providing valuable programs and resources to the attendees. Various agriculture and fishery companies also shared insights on the latest products, technologies, and innovations.
Highlighting the
event were inspiring success stories from a seaweed farmer from Hinatuan,
Surigao del Sur, and the Hugpong Balibayon Fishermen Cooperative. A buyer and
seller forum facilitated direct connections and potential business
opportunities. The Office of Senator Lito Lapid generously distributed gift
packs filled with essential goods to the farmers and fisherfolk.
The Office of the Mayor also held a raffle, giving away rice sacks, with a cow as the grand prize. Distinguished attendees included City Mayor Pablo Yves L. Dumlao II, Vice Mayor Alfonso Casurra, Congressional Representative Robert Ace S. Barbers, Gov. Robert Lyndon S. Barbers, Vice Governor Eddie Gokiangkee Jr., various city councilors, and punong barangay with their council members, who demonstrated strong support for the agriculture and fisheries sectors through their active participation in the event.
The city government of Surigao and the City Agriculture Office - Surigao City led by Acting City Agriculturist Amelita N. Dela Cerna remained committed to supporting local agriculture and fisheries through continuous training, resources, and events like this 1st Farmers and Fisherfolk Congress. (Surigao City-PIO/PIA-Surigao del Norte)