Garlic Buy Back in Pasuquin (Alaric A. Yanos) |
By Mizpah Grace G. Castro
PGIN-CMO
Laoag City—Agricultural economy in Ilocos Norte shows promise as
the first order of garlic from Metro Manila has been placed amounting to 20
tons, according to Edwin Carino of the Provincial Special Project for
Development Office (SPDO).
In line with its flagship program
"Paspas Dur-as Biag ti Away!" [rapid development for rural areas],
the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) has been intensifying support
for bawang farmers and crop
research, as it is considered the "white gold" of the North. Ilocos
Norte is a champion garlic supplier at 69% at the national level.
Just last year, PGIN through the
Provincial Agricultural Office (PAO) and with assistance from scientists coming
from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) conducted the cultivation
of better crops using tissue culture, which highlighted the Municipality of
Burgos as a prime location for planting garlic.
Regarding the 20-ton garlic order,
Mr. Carino shared that the only task left to do now is to clean and package bawang thoroughly enough to meet
Metro Manila standards. He shared that the Ilocos Norte produce was chosen for
its sharper scent compared to that of other provinces' crops.
This was also resultant of PGIN's
garlic buyback scheme launched last year, wherein the provincial government
began buying garlic produce from local growers and selling them on the national
market.
Mr. Carino also expressed hopes that
this development would pave the way to improve Ilocano farmers' welfare and
livelihoods whilst giving a significant boost to the agricultural sector and
sustainable growth of the province.
This development is a completion of
Ilocos Norte Governor Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos's vision reflected in her
latest State of the Province Address (SOPA), "Itaguyod ang produktong sinauna—gulay, lasuna, higit sa lahat:
bawang. National demand for garlic is at an all- time high, but over
90% is imported. Dapat dagdagan ang
tanim na 6% dito sa ating probinsia."
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