SANTA RITA, Pampanga — Duman, the famed green delicacy that has long placed this town on the culinary map of the Philippines, became the focus of a farmers’ consultation meeting held in Barangay Sta. Monica to ensure the sustainability of the centuries-old tradition.
The gathering, entitled “Capulungan da reng Ortilanung Tatanam Duman queng Balen Santa Rita, Pampanga,” was initiated by Former President and Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, in recognition of duman’s value as both a livelihood source and a cultural heritage.
Barangay Captains Joel Ronquillo (San Agustin) and Eric Reyes (Sta. Monica), together with Municipal Agriculturist Emelita L. Hernandez, joined the meeting to assess the current state of duman farming, tackle the challenges confronting producers, and identify opportunities to sustain the industry.
After the discussions, participants visited duman farms in San Agustin and Sta. Monica to engage directly with farmers and workers, emphasizing efforts to support production and address immediate needs.
Known as “green gold,” duman is harvested only during a short season each year and requires painstaking preparation. Santa Rita remains the only town in the country where this delicacy is cultivated, making it both an economic driver and a symbol of cultural pride.
Macapagal-Arroyo underscored the importance of preserving the tradition while supporting farmers through programs that could strengthen the duman industry for future generations.
For his part, Mayor Reynan Calo reaffirmed the Bayung Santa Rita administration’s commitment to helping farmers ensure the continuity of duman farming, which he said represents not only economic value but also the cultural identity of Ritenians.