SABLAN, Benguet(PIA)-- Amidst the inclement weather, floats decorated with locally produced fruits, vegetables, and other indigenous materials paraded along the national road from Banangan boundary to that of Burgos, La Union on September 2, 2023 as the municipality of Sablan celebrated its 9th Fruit Festival.
Benguet Governor Melchor Diclas and Congressman Eric Go Yap represented by Charmaine Molintas-Likigan, coordinator for Benguet District 1, graced the main program. Also, present were Tuba officials led by Mayor Clarita Sal-ongan and Vice Mayor Maria Carantes, the Philippine Councilors League – Benguet Chapter headed by Councilor Ronald Kimakim, and guest from Guam, USA led by Mayors Kevin Susuico of Agat and Bill Quenga of Yona.
Likigan together with local officials led by Mayor Alfredo Dacumos Jr then formally opened the Agr-Trade Fair showcasing not only fruits but also locally grown vegetables, processed foods and other items.
Dacumos said the festival showcases the unity of the people to ensure that the fruit basket of Benguet will be maintained and sustained. He asked the support of various stakeholders and residents of Sablan to help in sustaining the fruit industry and the fruit festival by planting and nurturing more fruit trees in the municipality.
Sablan produces fruits like pineapples, bananas, pomelo, papaya, guavas, jackfruit, santol, dragonfruit, rambutan, lamsones and even durian.
In his message, Yap noted that the Sablan Fruit Festival is not just a celebration of the rich agricultural heritage; it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the farmers, the stewards of the land who toil day in and day out to bring forth the fruits of their labor.
He thanked the farmers who he said are the backbone of the community, as their commitment to sustainable farming practices ensures that people continue to enjoy the bountiful harvests that the province is known for.
“It is an honor and a privilege to stand before you as we celebrate the 9th Sablan Fruit Festival, an event that showcases not only the abundant natural beauty of our province but also the remarkable agricultural bounty that is at the heart of our community,” he said.
The lawmaker committed his support thru the policies and initiatives that will safeguard the livelihood and the future of agriculture in Sablan and the entire Benguet by providing more accessible farm-to-market roads and tourism roads.
