SAN FERNANDO CITY (PIA) –The city government here launched the Agri-Tourism Community Trade Fair on March 6 as part of the celebration of its 25th Founding Anniversary.
The ceremonial opening was led by Mayor Hermenegildo Gualberto along with other local officials, city government department heads, and Engr. Dennis Tactac, Regional Technical Director for Operations of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office 1 as guest.
Booths of the twelve districts were installed at Gomez Street in this city where a variety of agri-fishery goods and commodities were displayed for sale.
Among the available local products are freshly picked fruits, eggs and vegetables; handmade wallets; dried goods; fish commodities; condiments like bagoong and alamang; bottles of ube wine; kamote and banana chips; as well as blooming ornamental plants.
Gualberto said the trade fair will not only feature the local products of the communities but will also contribute to the economic recovery of the city.
“Kabilang sa priority areas na ating tinututukan ngayon ang economic recovery at isa sa mga sektor na makakatulong sa atin sa pagbangon ay ang sektor ng agrikultura,” Gualberto said.
Aside from local products, the Agri-Tourism Trade Fair of the City Government of San Fernando, La Union also features the creativity and artistry of each district of the city as they put up and design their booths.
He added that the conduct of the trade fair is in line with the vision of the provincial government to make La Union as the ‘Heart of agri-tourism in Northern Luzon by 2025’.
The trade fair is open until March 20.
The city government was not able to stage the annual trade fair for the past three year due to the threats of the COVID-19 virus.
Meanwhile, citing the potential of the agricultural sector of the communities, Gualberto said the city government is planning to put up shared service facilities and to invest in modern technologies to aid the locals in improving their products.
The city is also constructing a multi-purpose techno-learning center in Barangay Biday, a space where farmers and fisherfolks may convene for meetings and planning sessions once completed.
On the other hand, Councilor Pablo Ortega who chairs the committee on agriculture, encouraged the city’s people to engage in farming for a more sustainable food source. (JCR/MJTAB/CGC, PIA Region 1)
