By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter
PINILI, Ilocos
Norte—A family of five riding on a carabao-drawn carriage locally known as
“karison” made of bamboo filled with baskets of native garlic was immortalized
through a sculpture in this town to honor its hard-working farmers.
Located in the junction
that divides three paths leading to Badoc, Pinili and Currimao along the Manila
North Road, the farmers’ monument was unveiled on May 21, 2016.
In a simple
unveiling ceremony led by Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R.
Marcos and Pinili town officials, Ms. Marcos said it’s about time to recognize
the Ilocano farmers who had nurtured this province to what it is now.
“Kailangan na ipagmalaki natin ang ating mga
garlic farmers dahil 60% ng bawang ng Pilipinas ay galing sa [We
need to be proud of our garlic farmers because 60% of garlic produced on the
country comes from] Ilocos Norte and a great deal of it comes from Pinili. Panahon na bigyan ng konting pagtingin ang
ating Ilocano farmers at sana ang
sumunod ay tataas ang presyo ng bawang [It’s about time to give our farmers
more attention, and hopefully an increase in garlic price follows],” Ms. Marcos
said in her short speech.
She likewise lauded
an enduring master weaver, Magdalena Gamayo, 92, a native of Pinili town for
keeping up with the heritage fabric of the province popularly known as ‘abel’
[hand-woven cloth]. Ms. Gamayo is a national living treasure recognized by the
National Commission for Culture and the Arts. She likewise graced the event
with her signature abel design fabric proudly worn as official uniform of town
officials here.
Following the
inauguration of the farmers’ monument was the formal opening of the Pinili
Tourist Center located just a few meters from the monument site.
“This is a must
stop for tourists,” said provincial tourism officer Ianree Raquel saying the
Pinili Tourist Center was upgraded into a centralized market where farmers
could sell their products. It also showcases the heritage fabric of Ilocos
Norte.
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