CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan – Awed with the rows of bamboo huts adorned with fresh fruits and vegetables, Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Evelyn G. Lavina lauded Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado and the people of Bulacan for nurturing God’s gift and nature’s bounty transforming it into a spectacular tradition—the “annual weeklong “Singkaban Festival”.
Lavina, who was the guest of honor and speaker during the farmers and fisherfolks day dubbed as ”Bahay Kubo, Bahay Gulay” and “Tatak Singkaban ng Central Luzon” segment of the “Singkaban Festival”, said the annual fiesta “is not just a way commemorate an annual tradition, it is also a major contribution to nation building.”
She said Bulacan can be associated with foods, and the energy of its leaders and people is infectious.
”The outlook of the province in propelling economic stability for the country is very promising.This annual event is indeed a milestone in the agriculture industry. It shows that the people of Bulacan is so blessed with nature’s bounty –vegetables, livestocks and marine products,” Lavina said.
For his part, Gov. Alvarado said the spirit of the “Singkaban Festival” is to honor and thanked God for blessing it with rich bounty as well as the colourful cultural tradition and historic heritage.
“Ito po ang diwa ng pagdiriwang natin ng Singkaban, ang pasalamatan ang Diyos sa mga biyaya at pagmamahal na kanyang ibinibigay at mga mabubuting basbas sa ating lalawigan at mamamayan,” Alvarado said.
Alvarado said from the mountains in the east, there are plenty of resources, from the plains in central Bulacan there is the bounty of rice, vegetables, fruits and livestock while in the coastal areas in the west, the province is abundant with marine products like bangus, tilapia, prawns and crabs.
“We will spare the agrifolks from a day’s work to attend the said Bahay Kubo, Bahay Gulay competition initiated by the Provincial Agriculture Office as well as give the micro and small enterprises (MSEs) of CL the opportunity to showcase their best products,” the governor said.
According to Provincial Agriculture Officer Gloria Carillo, 10 nipa huts from different municipalities of Bulacan will be adorned by the Bulacan Farmers Association with various vegetable products. She said that the winning “bahay kubo” with the most beautiful and unique decoration will take home P30,000, P20,000 and P10,000 for the first, second and third places respectively, with certificate of recognition for each winner.
As for the “Tatak Singkaban ng Central Luzon,” around 96 exhibitors from seven provinces will participate in the said event wherein 54 manufacturers will come from Bulacan.
Carillo said the province welcomes all participants in this two in one event that will spice up the Singkaban Festival celebration.
“Bahay Kubo, Bahay Gulay” will run until September 15 from 8 am to 6 pm while the trade event will run until September 20 from 8 am to 8 pm. –EMIL G. GAMOS