BY GALLEN RAY CANILLO & JOSEF DAVIDON/UM Interns
THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture Region XI officially opened the 2025 Farmers and Fisherfolks Month on Monday, May 5, with an agri-fishery fair at the Regional Government Center in Bago Oshiro to showcase local produce and industry goods.
The month-long celebration runs from May 1 to 31, with new sets of exhibitors representing different input suppliers and agro-fishery associations featured each week. For instance, exhibitors this week highlight farm and fishery produce, input supplies, and agricultural tools.
In a keynote speech, Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Leo Tereso Magno pointed out the contribution of agricuture value chain to national and local economic development.
“When we talk about our GDP…yes, services sector ang pinakadako ang contribution in terms of our economy…per unsa ba ang pinakadako nga component dinha? Agriculture value chain,” said Magno.
Magno also stressed 60% of Mindanao’s economy is attributed to agriculture, which means 6/10 jobs are related to the sector.
“In 2017, a study was done by World Bank, led by former NEDA director General Karl Chua, whom MinDA had the opportunity to partner with for the Mindanao Jobs Report Study, that particular report pointed out that 60% of Mindanao’s economy is attributed to agriculture value chain…6/10 jobs are related to agriculture,” he said.
He ended his ended his speech by urging everyone to “work together, and move together as one Mindanao.”
During her opening speech, Regional Technical Director for Operations Marie Ann M. Constantino celebrates the role of farmers and fisherfolks in attaining food security.
“Dako kaayo ang among pasalamat sa mga mag-uuma sa walay puas ninyong pagtahum sa matag pamilyang Pilipino. We celebrate and appreciate you not just today, but everyday. My salute to all of you!” said Constantino.
The event also honored young farmers through the Young Farmers Challenge to recognize their innovative research in agriculture.
