MAMBAJAO, Camiguin (PIA)—To maintain the quality of lanzones harvested in their area, the Barangay Local Government of Balbagon gathers 70 growers and traders and members of the Barangay Buahan Task Force, June 1, to enforce Provincial Ordinance No. 2018-59, which provides for the development, protection, and promotion of lanzones production in the province.

“Hinaut ko nga masabtan pud sa uban kay gubot gyud kaayo ang lanzones traders ug ang mga lanzones growers kay magguno lang nga walay certification coming from the barangay; nga naisyu og una-una nila nga naapil na dayon ang hilaw,” Barangay Balbagon Chief Jaime Maestrado said.

(I hope that others will also understand because the lanzones traders and the lanzones growers are really messed up now because they are just doing their harvests around without certification coming from the barangay; there are issues with unripe fruits being included)

He added that this caused bigger problems because, aside from the buyers who would call the provincial tourism office to complain about the produce they bought from the traders in the province, the practice would also taint the branding of the province as the home of sweet lanzones.

During the said meeting, it was emphasized to the growers and traders that, based on the ordinance, seedlings of the said fruit must only be produced within the province to ensure the prevention and protection of lanzones trees from diseases.

They were also instructed that the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist will provide technical assistance to lanzones growers, especially on the application of organic fertilizers and the treatment of diseases.

Farmers can avail themselves of fertilizer loans through the Plant-Now-Pay-Late (PNPL) Program of the province, as stated in the ordinance.

Lanzones handling

Maestrado reminded the growers and traders that the fruit doesn’t taste good when taken prematurely and is non-climatic in nature; thus, harvesting of such is regulated.

Based on the ordinance, harvesters or traders must inform the Office of the Punong Barangay 14 days prior to the harvest of lanzones.

The barangay will give the certification that lanzones fruits are already due for harvest based on the recommendation of the task force.

After the harvest, lanzones fruits shall be packaged in the official box, and they should be in boxes of 5, 10, and 21 kilos, with the label “Camiguin Sweet Lanzones.”

Maestrado reiterated that all lanzones fruits for shipment outside must be done at the ports of the province, and the municipal agriculturists, in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry, must monitor the prices of lanzones fruits in the market.

Violating any provision of the ordinance will be meted out with corresponding penalties, the barangay chief added.

Every October, Camiguin celebrates the Lanzones Festival, which marks the peak of good harvests of the said fruit in the province. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)