Feature: 'Araw ng Siquijor' showcases the Siquijodnon's industry, way of life

By Rizalie A. Calibo and Inacher A. Abatayo SIQUIJOR, Oct 20 (PIA) -- In what was claimed as one of Siquijor’s breakthroughs, the recent Araw ng Siquijor celebration was a manifestation of Siquijodnon’s industry and the government’s technology being put together. The result--rich harvest that is good for the island and its people. Siquijor’s bounty and rich harvest from the hard toil of the local farmers were all seen during the opening of the Agro, Trade and Food Fair, one of the highlights of the recently concluded “Araw ng Siquijor Ruby Jubilee. Varied agricultural products, woodcraft, dairy, cosmetics and art products were all shown during the six-day fair. By simply putting it, Provincial Governor Orlando “Shane” Fua Jr. said the industry of Siquijodnon plus the government’s technology spell the bounty, richness and the best of Siquijor which are the essence of what are being displayed at the different booths around the capitol grounds. A self professed farmer himself, Gov. Fua stressed and recognized the importance of agriculture which he said should be the driving force behind every governance because from it flows the basic necessity of man which is food. Citing the data from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), Fua said the island is sufficient in corn production, adding that only 25 percent of corn is coming from the outside production, the rest, (75%) is the product of the local farmers. Aside from agricultural and other products, rich culture and immeasurable talents of Siquijodnons were also seen in the various performances and festivals showdown including that of Jeziel Dimagnaong of Lazi, a Pilipinas Got Talent semi-finalist. All these, the governor said, depict the unique, simple and bounty culture and the way of life of the Siquijodnons.