By Cyrus A. Natividad
VIPs in ‘hard hats’ got hold of their spades as they do the symbolic groundbreaking for the CPU ARUGA Technodemo Farm in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.
The groundbreaking ceremony of the 30 Sow-Level Multiplier and Tehnodemo Farm at Brgy. Talongadian, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo on June 27, 2022 was a success. Despite the ‘cloud of doubt’ on the weather, the CPU ARUGA ably organized the event, and celebrated God’s goodness.
The event turned out to be a recognition of brilliance for the initiative on the high-end project. It was really a gathering of the masters in agriculture for Western Visayas; the coming together of Retirees from one excellent Alumni Association – the CPU ARUGA. Among them, Former Department of Agriculture Executive Director, Region 6 and President of ARUGA Integrated Family System ATI Learning Site Larry P. Nacionales; Angel Supetran, Jr. COO-CPU ARUGA 30 Sow- Level Swine Multiplier and Techno-Demo Farm; Long-time DAR Regional Director Alexis Mirador Arsenal, and former CPUAAI President Dan Dorillo (both were classmates from CPU Agriculture ‘Batch ‘70). Other members as well as adopted professionals of ARUGA were present.
The program started at 11:00 AM with an invocation led by Rev. Roger Quimpo, Senior Pastor University Church, CPU. Mr. Supetran welcomed everyone and gave an insight on the valuable farm project by CPU ARUGA. Outgoing Municipal Mayor of Sta. Barbara Rema B. Somo thanked and appreciated CPU ARUGA for the initiative and realization of the special farm project. “Moreover, I am so happy about the project implemented during my administration,” Somo said.
Mr. Glenn Mariano (Regional Livestock Head) who represented Regional Executive Director, Department of Agriculture Western Visayas (Centralian) Remelym R. Recoter, also thanked the CPU ARUGA for the project, which would benefit not only Sta. Barbara, but the rest of the province in the future.
The CPU ARUGA project was appreciated twice over by the Honorable 2nd District Congressman Mike Gorriceta. In his message, Gorriceta acknowledged the hard work of the CPU ARUGA and the value that the Technodemo farm will bring to Sta. Barbara. He added, “It will not take long before the project could benefit also other municipalities, the province and to a certain extent, capably serve the country.” Mr. Nacionales made the response for the recipients, and also asked the congressman for possible feeder roads construction in the area. He shared how their efforts and determination in CPU ARUGA paid off, as the project proposal was approved shortly, by the government.
The Ground Breaking activity was carried on near the shelter where the program was held. The symbolic tilling of the soil was done by the guests wearing the hard hats. A tree planting activity followed, with each one planting a ‘catmoon’ seedling around the marker. Dr Eden DLR. Bautista, Center Director of the Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center VI, delivered her Closing Remarks. The program was hosted by Ms. Blessie Luzarita.
As has been locally said, “Wala gutom sa uma” (there is no hunger in the farm), tables of native ‘snacks (kakanin)-suman, latik, bayi-bayi, puto and many others were served. At lunch Sinugba, Fried and Sinabawan dishes were savoured by everyone with banana, salad and other fruits.