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Japanese officials join farm festivities in Ilocos Norte

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By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter

Dingras, Ilocos Norte—At least 10 Japanese officials from the garlic capital of Takko in Aomori Prefecture, Japan joined farm festivities at Brgy. Madamba in Dingras, Ilocos Norte as one of the highlights of the month-long celebration of the state-run Mariano Marcos State University’s (MMSU) 41st founding anniversary.

Attended by hundreds of multi-sectoral stakeholders from public, private and non-government entities, the “Parambak Diay Talon”, an Ilokano term which means farm festivities is meant to celebrate good harvest and offer thanksgiving for all the blessings MMSU have reaped throughout the year.

“In Asia, festivities have become part of our culture. We celebrate for so many occasions and these farm festivities express our heartfelt gratitude for all our partners who helped us achieved our goals,” said Dr. Shirley Agrupis, president of the premiere university in northern Philippines.

With invited guests from Japan led by Takko mayor Harumi Yamamoto, the whole-day activity features the launching of MMSU-Dingras as Kalachuchi (plumeria) campus, where around 70 plumeria seedlings were planted around the 14-hectare Dingras campus which shall be known as the horticultural hub of the university.

On the same day, a one-hectare president’s model farm was also launched, enjoining all visitors to pick fruits and vegetables for free.

As a first-time visitor to the Philippines and after experiencing the joy of harvesting lowland vegetables such as onions, squash, string beans and pechay among others, Yamamoto said his agricultural hometown and the province of Ilocos Norte can share their best practices to help each other.

“We may have different culture and weather but we have the same goal. We hope for long friendship and mutual understanding. Do not hesitate to call or come to us and we will give you all the needs you aspire for,” Yamamoto said in his speech as he served as special guest during the event.

Takkomachi in Aomori Prefecture is famed throughout Japan as the nation’s leading producer of garlic.

To date, the Japan International Cooperation Agency has funded the conduct of a feasibility study on the establishment of a community-based garlic enterprise in the province which is meant to improve the lives of garlic producers and provide more opportunities for the people.

In partnership with MMSU and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, the Phase 1 of the garlic feasibility project is expected to take off this year in time for the garlic planting season.

Using MMSU and Japanese technologies to strengthen the garlic industry here, Mrs. Agrupis expressed optimism the province will be able to established one organized and systematic sustainable garlic industry with the help of the different sectors and partners in development.

“We are amazed and grateful for welcoming us as it is our first time to visit Ilocos Norte. 

We look forward to learn more about garlic and identify the needs to be improved,” said Mr. Yamamoto.

For his part, Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Eugenio Angelo M. Barba recognized that through the JICA-funded project, the garlic industry in the province will become more productive and sustainable in the future.

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