LUBAO, Pampanga – The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) said in a conference Governor Lilia “Nanay” G. Pineda’s support to farmer constituents, particularly sampaguita growers in this town, is very inspiring.
Supervising Agriculturist Rea Inocencio of BPI-Manila expressed her satisfaction over the provincial and local government’s persistent efforts in providing technical and financial support for the Kapampangan sampaguita growers.
Inocencio even pledged the bureau’s support to ensure the growth of Pampanga’s sampaguita industry.
“Pampanga is one of the most supportive provinces when it comes to its agriculture. If needed, we will gladly send Noli Garcia, BPI-Manila’s Agriculturist II to conduct other trainings,” Inocencio declared.
This transpired as the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) led by Crispin Guintu, in coordination with the Municipal Agriculturist’s Office, conducted technical training for sampaguita growers in this town, in line with the provincial government’s ongoing sampaguita livelihood project launched this year.
Inocencio and Garcia educated the sampaguita growers on plant disease management, as well as utilization of modern farming techniques and equipment to further improve their production.
Pineda advised the attendees to apply the knowledge they have learned in this activity and to impart this to fellow sampaguita growers in their respective villages.
The governor also directed the creation of a cooperative for sampaguita growers and sellers through the Provincial Cooperative and Entrepreneurial Development Office headed by Mamerto Gatus.
“With this, we could properly address the needs of sampaguita growers and sellers. Also, any assistance from the provincial government will be facilitated through your cooperative,” Pineda explained.
Mayor Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab also vowed the local government’s support for the town’s sampaguita growers and sellers.
“We thank you for your participation and let us continue to help one another for the progress of our town,” the mayor ended.
The event concluded with the awarding of two grass cutters, donated by Councilor Anthony Torres, to barangays Sto. Domingo and San Roque, Dau 1st of this town. The Capitol also distributed 10 chemical sprayers.
Board Member Fritzie David-Dizon, Public Employment Service Office Manager Luningning Vergara, OPA’s Assistant Division Chief for Operations Honorio Pineda, and Provincial Agriculture Consultant Roy Imperial also graced the training. (Angelique DC. Tuazon, PIO Pampanga)
