On behalf of the Secretary of Agriculture, Francisco Pe Tiu Laurel Jr., Arlene M. Sagayo, the DA-Cordillera Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, served as the guest of honor and speaker during the La Trinidad Strawberry Festival, which was held this morning in La Trinidad, Benguet.
The La Trinidad Strawberry Festival is a month-long celebration which highlights the town’s rich agricultural heritage, vibrant culture, and the warm hospitality of its people. Recognized as the “Strawberry Capital of the Philippines,” La Trinidad’s festival features parades, trade fairs, traditional performances, and a variety of gastronomic delights. It is designed to promote local strawberries and strawberry-related products, support local farmers, and showcase the creativity of local businesses.
In her speech, RTD Sagayo emphasized the Department of Agriculture’s continued commitment to supporting La Trinidad’s farmers. She highlighted the 12,928 resilient male farmers and 13,873 empowered female farmers who are registered in the town, pointing out that last year, the DA distributed planting materials, ultraviolet plastic sheets, black nets, inorganic fertilizers, and more to aid these farmers. For the current year, she announced that 900 male and 500 female farmers will receive farming tools, including nurseries, coffee pulpers, moisture meters, and postharvest equipment.
Additionally, she presented a certificate of award to the La Trinidad Cutflower and Ornamental Growers Association, acknowledging their receipt of 10 polyethylene sheets valued at ₱320,000 for their greenhouses. This support aims to further enhance the cut flower industry in the municipality.
RTD Sagayo expressed her gratitude to all the farmers, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of La Trinidad, and the various agricultural partners for their dedication to the town’s agricultural success. She encouraged them to continue their hard work to ensure that La Trinidad remains a leader in agricultural excellence.
“I express my deepest gratitude to all the farmers, the LGU La Trinidad, and all our partners in agriculture. Your hard work, dedication, and love for the land are the driving forces behind this community’s success. With the continued support of the DA and our partners, we are confident that La Trinidad will remain a leader in agricultural excellence for many years to come,” she remarked.
Meanwhile, La Trinidad Mayor Romeo K. Salda also delivered remarks, highlighting the municipality’s recent achievements, including their support for various local organizations, such as those for solo parents, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, youth, and farmers. He commended the 16 barangays for their active participation in making the festival a success.
Congressman Eric G. Yap encouraged the people of La Trinidad to live life fully, drawing a parallel between the joy and love symbolized by strawberries and a happy life. He affirmed his commitment to further supporting the municipality and its agricultural efforts, particularly urging strawberry farmers to adopt modern farming technologies to reduce reliance on strawberry imports.
Moreover, Governor Melchor D. Diclas extended his gratitude to La Trinidad for their contributions to the recent success of the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) and other provincial achievements. He reminded everyone to prioritize their health as it remains a pressing concern in the region.
The festival was a resounding success, with attendees from sister cities/town in Guam, Malaysia, and Japan, as well as Vice-Governor Felipe Tagel, represented by Mr. Ariel Layugan, Board Member Marie Rose Fongwan Kepes, Vice-Mayor Roderick C. Awingan, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, local department heads, the local community, and other visitors.//Leny D. Mendoza
