Capitol kicks off anniversary with agri fair

Fresh vegetables and fruits in the Agri-Fishery Trade Fair opened at the Capitol grounds for the 446th founding anniversary of the Province of Cebu. (CDN PHOTO/ CHRISTIAN MANINGO)

Cebu’s 41 towns and 29 private establishments showcased the best of their produce during yesterday’s opening of the week-long agricultural trade fair at the Capitol grounds.

Fruits and vegetables were sold at affordable prices at the back of the Capitol’s main building as part of the “Tabo sa Kapitolyo.”

The event is part of Cebu’s 446th founding anniversary celebration.

After the flag raising ceremony led by Acting Gov. Agnes Magpale in the morning, people gathered at the booths to check out the fresh produce.

Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III is in Japan until August 10 to invite investors to set up businesses in the province.

Provincial Agriculturist Roldan Saragena said there are more displays of organic vegetables from the 41 towns this year.

“Over the years, there has been a steady growth in the number of organic products at the fair. The demand has been growing,” he said, adding that 10 to 20 percent of the products are organic.

The midwest town of Barili features an all-organic display including squash, bell peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, pechay, avocado and alugbati.

The Cebu Provincial Organic Agriculture Chamber (POAC) sold milkfish (bangus) for only P100 per kilogram.

The fish are from a province-owned agriculture facility in barangay Tinaan, Naga City.

There were also fresh tomatoes from Sibonga town, eggplants from Toledo City and high value crops from Dalaguete, the vegetable basket of Cebu.

Saragena said products sold in the fair cost P5 to P50 cheaper than those in public markets.

The week-long trade fair is open until Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.