FSTP soaring high in Siquijor, gets local dads’ full support
Cong. Fua commits another P1M for Siquijor farmers
By Rizalie A. Calibo
Apparently pleased with the performance of the Farmer-Scientists Training program in Siquijor province, Representative of the lone district of Siquijor, Congressman Orlando B. Fua and Provincial Governor Orlando A. Fua Jr. with all other local officials are giving another boost to Siquijor farmers as they vowed to continuously support the agricultural needs of the farmers particularly those that have undergone the Farmer-Scientists Training Program (FSTP).
Cong. Fua during the joint graduation ceremony and launching of Phases II and III of the Farmer-Scientists Training Program (FSTP) on corn-based production system for Sustainable Agricultural Development early last month, committed another P1M worth for agricultural projects as he vowed to fully support the program.
With special heart for farmers as they claimed to be farmers themselves, the Fua’s have recognized FSTP’s contribution to Siquijor economy so that sometime in 2004 during his term as Govenor of the Island, Congressman Fua declared Siquijor province an FSTP-country with a total of 338 farmer-scientist-graduates covering its six municipalities. A lot more were added every year since then.
In his declaration, he was hopeful and confident that a rapid growth in agricultural production of the province is achieved.
Surely so because in barely three years after its implementation in 2004, the program was already making a big wave to the Siquijor farmers' lives.
According to the economic survey based on annual income of the farmer-scientists (FS) in six municipalities, an increase of 107.24 percent in the annual income of the 187 FS was noted after two years from graduation in FSTP.
This was attained mainly because Siquijor leaders are united. All the mayors are very supportive to FSTP and have their Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) funds available for the program, FSTP over-all coordinator Dr. Romulo G. Davide, once noted.
Dr. Davide introduced and spent nine years advocating the program to elevate poor farmers of Siquijor from the bondage of poverty and hunger.
Today, Siquijor has another 419 farmer scientists to add to the list of successfully trained FS since its implementation. Forty three of them are from Siquijor Capital town ( phase I = 39 & phase II = 4), 52 from Larena ( phase I = 13, phase II = 20 and phase III = 19) , 25 from Enrique Villanueva ( phase I = 14 and phase III = 6), 57 from Maria (phase II = 22), 91 from Lazi ( phase I = 19 and phase II = 72) and 191 from San Juan (phase I = 93, phase II = 36 & phase III = 62).
The new farmer scientists all the more inspired Siquijor officials to do more as they renew all-out financial and logistic support, all to bring Siquijor to full economic prosperity.
For it was already proven. “With rise in income, Siquijor province will no longer be importing corn from the neighboring islands because of FSTP,” Gov Fua claims. (RAC/PIA-Siquijor)
Kasalang Filipino is now on its 8th year. It ties up with the 13 key cities in the country. This includes, Cabanatuan, General Santos, Lucena, Baguio, Dumaguete, Pampanga, Zamboanga, Malolos, Davao,Tagaytay, San Fernando, Bacolod, and Cagayan de Oro. (PIA NegOr/JCT)
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Kasalang Filipino to feature Valencia’s finest sinamay
by: Jennifer Catan-Tilos
DUMAGUETE CITY, May 17 (PIA) Valencia’s sinamay and other abaca products will be featured during the three-day Kasalang Filipino 2011, the biggest wedding expo in Negros Oriental, at Robinsons Place Dumaguete on May 20 to 22.
This year’s fifth leg of Kasalang Filipino, a unique bridal fair in Dumaguete City aims to promote the local wedding and tourism industry.
Information Officer Designate Des Tilos, Jr. said the municipality of Valencia known as abaca fiber (famous worldwide as Manila hemp) producer in Negros Oriental.
Weaving abaca fiber into sinamay is a common product of the town used as component for apparels or quality wedding gowns and for cosmetic industry.
With its availability of the products, Valencia will participate in the event which promote the local wedding and tourism industry of the province, as it showcases the best wedding suppliers and wedding venues, Tilos said.
The Kasalang Filipino also features bridal fashion show, wedding-related talks and cultural shows.
Here, many wedding suppliers display their products and services to the public through exhibits.
The event aims to spread and expand wedding trade shows all over the country.