Provincial Achievement Day highlights Agri-Aqua trade fair, exhibits

BALANGA CITY, Bataan – The Provincial Achievement Day highlighted Agri-Aqua trade fair showcasing the agricultural and fishery products of the 11 municipalities and one city, and other Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the province from March 14 to 16 at the provincial capitol compound.

Anchored on the theme: “FARM TOURISM: Sustainable Vibrant Communities through Agricultural and Fisheries’ Local Farm Product Promotion and Development,” the annual program spearheaded by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) aims to give recognition and award to the outstanding men and women of the agriculture and fishery sector, as well as to honor and recognize the municipalities and barangays with outstanding contributions to the attainment of the agricultural and fishery development.

Farm tourism is being developed as a relatively new tourism industry with the aim of not only attracting travellers, but also helping local farmers’ diversity and supplement their agricultural income. 

In this year’s festivity, 40 booths participated in the fair that did not only simply lay their goods, but displayed them with creativity and arts.

The City of Balanga (COB) flaunted fresh crops and gigantic bird shaped abaca. Several barangays from COB also showcased their aquacultural goods such as dried and smoked fishes, and fermented fish sauces in variety.

The Municipality of Pilar dangled a 2-meter tall bunch of bananas, parallel to a human tall replica of ‘Dambana ng Kagitingan’, alongside ornamental plants and leafy vegetables.

Hermosa, famed for their ‘balot’ or premature ducks, called their corner Agri Hugot booth where hugot lines are displayed for entertainment, and a picture-perfect small ducks and eggs statuette stands.

Abucay’s pride, Khalimah Handicrafts and Souvenirs showcased their native wooden products that are finely crafted, accentuated by a miniature nipa hut which sheltered its early people.

Additionally, the Bataan Peninsula State University- Main Campus also participated in the trade fair, exhibiting their patented machine inventions and other researches from their Research and Development Office. One of these is the motorized charcoal briquetting machine with its new and improved features in grinding and compacting charcoals.       

Aside from the trade fair, the celebration will also banner Agri/Fishery Symposium, contests such as Cooking, PINAKA, and Best Booth, and the recognition and awarding of Top Achievers to various categories in farming and fishing industry.

This three-day celebration is also intended to promote camaraderie and fun among the sectors of farming and fisheries, which shall serve as a venue to share experiences and showcase worthwhile activities in agriculture and fishery.