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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