By Cyrus A. Natividad

(from left) Agri Fair Chairman Mr. Joel Somosierra, CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles, Dr. Cora Arroyo, Office of the City Mayor Executive Assistant for the Environment Mr. Armand Dayrit, Keynote Speaker and DA Office of the Assistant Secretary for the Visayas Consultant Ms. Ramona Gonzaga during the opening of the 9th DA-CPU Agri-Fair.

The 9th DA-CPU (Department of Agriculture-CPU) Regional Organic Agri Research Fair and Exhibits opened on November 19, 2019, Tuesday at Central Philippine University Alumni Promenade and Concert Park (APCP). This year’s theme is in line with the government’s thrust: “Backyard Gardening for Sustainable Food Production.”

The Registration started upon the arrival of the Centralian Cruisers Cycling Club & Friends (C4F) that made an early cycling tour of Iloilo City starting at 7:00 AM from the campus. The Layug National High School of Maasin, Iloilo, welcomed everyone at the Promenade with instrumental music using Bamboo Instruments.

CPU officials and distinguished guests take a picture before the ribbon-cutting.

CPU Communications Director Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on led the opening prayer, followed by Director for Cultural Affairs Prof. Crista Huyong leading the National Anthem. Director, Office of Accreditation, Dr. Reynaldo Dusaran acknowledged the participants and guests.

In his opening remarks, University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles mentioned about the importance of vegetables to health and how backyard gardening can help sustain food production. He also shared his experience in backyard gardening while he and wife Angel were still in the U.S.

Co-chair of Agrifair 2019 Prof. Levi de los Santos explained the rationale behind the DA-CPU Organic Agrifair. Local Government Unit representatives from the Capitol, City Hall and the Department of Agriculture expressed their support to the annual Agrifair. Mrs. Ramona Gonzaga, Consultant, DA Office of the Assistant Secretary for Regulations for the Visayas delivered the Keynote Address on behalf of Assistant Secretary Hon. Hansel O. Didulo.

The Official Opening of the 9th DA-CPU Regional Organic Agri Research Fair and Exhibits was declared by Dr. Robles.

The Guests and Agrifair Executives led by Dr. Robles proceeded to cut the ceremonial ribbon at the Promenade entrance that leads to the Agrifair exhibit kiosks. Native products-delicacies, fruits, and vegetables from other provinces and cities were displayed to the delight of the guests and participants.