Fruits and vegetables at the Capitol grounds. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)
The Province of Cebu kicks off its activities for its 445th founding anniversary on Aug. 6 with the traditional flag raising and the opening of a week-long Agro Trade Fair today at the Capitol grounds.
Unlike last year’s celebration that only lasted for a week, the province will be observing its anniversary for one whole month.
The trade fair, dubbed as the “Tabo sa Kapitolyo,” opens at 8:00 a.m. right after the flag ceremony.
Local vendors and representatives from the towns and cities of the province already started setting up their booths at the Capitol compound for the agro fair opening today.
At least 41 local government units, including five Yolanda-hit towns in the north and 37 private exhibitors are participating in the fair.
Provincial Agriculturist Roldan Sarajena said that the primary objective of the fair is to expose local farmers to wider markets.
“Not only is this a chance to showcase their products but also to encounter potential buyers,” he said.
Booths set up in the Capitol compound contain various products that range from fresh crops of Alcoy to the renowned footwear of Carcar.
Other activities lined up for the rest of the month include a Family Day tomorrow, the Shark Summit on August 14-15 and the Media Night on August 20, among others.
Assistant Provincial Administrator Ramil Abing said they retained last year’s budget of P3 million for the activities this year.
“We didn’t totally exhaust the amount last year. With more activities this year, we might use up the whole amount,” he said.
Abing said the province only spent about P1.7 million for last year’s week-long festivity.
On August 6, Gov. Hilario Davide III will give his anniversary message.
“That is the time he will announce whether he will be giving a bonus to Capitol employees. All of us are expecting an announcement to that effect,” said Abing.
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