KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) -- Farmers from the 27 barangays in Koronadal showcased their bountiful harvests and agricultural products in a Farmers’ Festival dubbed “Pasidungog sa Mangunguma,” held at Barangay Concepcion on January 7.

The city government, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO 12), led the annual “Pasidungog sa Mangunguma,” which means “honoring the farmers,” to give importance to their huge contribution in shaping the local economy and building the socio-economic prosperity of the city.

Mayor Eliordo Ogena assured the farmers that the city will extend its full support in uplifting the lives of the farmers and their families.

Koronadal city owes much of its prosperity and growth to the dedication and toil of its farmers, who work tirelessly on the vast field, providing sustenance for countless families, Ogena said.

The official said that the city government will pay attention to the needs of farmers, promising to provide solar dryers and much-needed warehouses to encourage and motivate them to continue flourishing in the farming industry.

During the festival, the farmers from every barangay also participated in the boodle fight and booth competitions, showcasing different varieties of food made out of hard-toil harvests.

Fresh produce, such as fruits and vegetables, was also made available for people to purchase and bring home at an affordable price.

As a tribute to the farmers, the city government also made sure to provide free haircuts, foot spas, manicures, and pedicures, among others, to pamper the farmers even for a day.

DA-RFO 12 OIC-Regional Executive Director John Pacual said that he was fully supportive of the event, commending the city government for its all-out support of farmers.

The event did not only celebrate farmers’ bountiful harvests but also paid homage to the farmers’ vast contributions to the city and the country, Pascual noted.

He described the event as a government way of recognizing the farmers' efforts to help bring in food and stabilize the food supply not only in Koronadal City but also in the entire South Cotabato and the Soccsksagen region, contributing to the national goal of food security, especially in the countryside.

Pascual also led the distribution of hybrid corn seeds, fertilizers, spray tools, and other farm inputs to farmers.

Meanwhile, the city government also acknowledged “Outstanding Irrigators Associations” with awards as a sign of its recognition and appreciation of their contributions to the farming industry in Koronadal and South Cotabato.

As part of its commitment to bolster vegetable production in the city, the City Agriculture Office showed its support to farmers by distributing vegetable seeds to them during the event.

The League of Municipalities of the Philippines—South Cotabato Chapter also offered 36 sacks of 25 kg of rice and free beauty care services that were availed of by the farmers.

The city government is also set to celebrate its 84th founding anniversary and the Hinugyaw Festival starting January 10. (AMB - PIA Region 12)