LUBAO, Pampanga – Mary Michelle Quiambao, provincial head of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) commended Governor Lilia “Nanay” G. Pineda and the local officials here led by Mayor Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab for launching Sampaguita livelihood project and even vowed for continuous support from her department.
According to Quiambao, the challenge now is in convincing the old farmers to adapt to new technologies to help maximize their production and profit.
For her part, the governor has recognized the persistent efforts and perseverance of the locals here particularly in Barangay San Roque, Dau 1st who were able to raise their families and send their children to school because of their sampaguita livelihood activities.
This transpired during the distribution of 4000 sampaguita seedlings under the livelihood project dubbed “Sampaguita Mabanglu” over the weekend.
Village Chief Luzviminda Bautista disclosed that the sampaguita industry in Lubao was pioneered by Ricardo Lalic and Pedro Pamintuan, both locals of San Roque, Dau 1st.
The first sampaguita seedlings planted in Lubao were apparently from the province of Laguna, brought here by “Apu Lalic”, it was learned.
Most of the families here have been growing and selling sampaguitas for decades now, added Bautista who also grew up through the sampaguita earnings of her family.
Carmelita Daniels, one of the beneficiaries of the livelihood project, started picking sampaguita flowers when she was just five years old.
Her parents raised their family with the help of their sampaguita livelihood and she also has done the same for her own family for more than twenty years.
Consequently, Mayor Cayabyab thanked the provincial government headed by Governor Lilia “Nanay” G. Pineda for launching another livelihood opportunity for the people of Lubao.
Barangay Sto. Domingo of this town has also received sampaguita seedlings under the same livelihood project last month.
Mayor Cayabyab also recognized the assistance of the national line agencies and asked for their continuous support in these projects.
Additionally, Governor Pineda acknowledged the efforts of provincial agiculturists Mary David and Chris Guinto, Public Employment Service Office manager Luningning Vergara, and Provincial Cooperatives and Entrepreneurial Development Officer Mamerto Gatus for the success of the project.
“Dapat luguran tala reng sampaguita uling kareti manibat ing kekatamung kabiyayan,” Pineda ended.(Angelique DC. Tuazon, PIO Pampanga)
