By Cyrus A. Natividad
The exhibitors of the Agrifair at CPU with the organizers from the Department of Agriculture and CPU.
The CPU-DA Organic Production Technology Training Cum Agrifair and Exhibits 2023 held at Central Philippine University from November 28 to 30 brought farmers and entrepreneurs from the province and city of Iloilo to participate in the trade fair. The joint effort of the Department of Agriculture Region 6 and CPU provided farmers and entrepreneurs an alternative to gain new knowledge in agricultural technology, and an opportunity to market products from their own local enterprises.
This year’s theme is “Kabuhayang OA, Kinabukasang OK” – in which OA means, “Organic Agriculture.”
CPU President Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy with the presenters during the Student Research Symposium.
Headed by former Technical Director of the Department of Agriculture Region 6 and CPU faculty, Dr. Joyce Wendam, in coordination with CPU CARES Dean Dr. Jaime Cabarles, Jr. the three-day trade fair was a success. The visitors, participants and university employees had their time at the promenade bazaar to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables; food, herbal medicines and organic health products.
“It’s quite a long time before we can sell again our agricultural products here in CPU”, said one of the vendors who would regularly sell his dried fish at the promenade, every time there is an Agrifair. The annual event was stopped in 2020 with the onslaught of COVID19 Pandemic.
The Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Opening of Exhibit was attended by CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Irving Domingo Rio, CPU Office of Communications Director, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Dr. Dennis R. Arpia, DA Project Director for Philippine Rural Development in the Visayas, Dr. Jaime C. Cabarles, Jr., CPU Officials and DA RFO 6 Officials.
On Day-1, the events included Agricultural and Technical seminars, Market Matching, Business Plan Presentations and Organic Cooking Contest. There was a Research Symposium and Organic Research Poster Competition for Day-2. An Organic Fun Run was held on the last day November 30 from 5:00–6:00AM. There was a short program before the Fun Run started. Dr. Ernest Dagohoy and wife, Cecile were the guests of honor. The closing ceremony was held on November 30 in the afternoon. CPU President Dr. Dagohoy handed the certificates to the participants and winners. Dr. Amy Castigador, the Consultant of the Agrifair, acknowledged and thanked all the participants while Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on gave a closing message and the closing prayer.