Magpet, North Cotabato- At least five hundred farmers and their immediate families attended this year’s province-wide farm family congress held at the Apostol Memorial Elementary School here from May 6-8.

The congress is a yearly activity spearheaded by rural based organizations which include Farmers Associations, Rural Improvement Clubs and 4-H Clubs and the province’s different agricultural and fishery councils which serve as a forum where the agriculture sector can articulate their concerns and present it to the government line agencies attending the congress.

This year’s 3-day congress, bannered by the theme “Pamilyang Magsasaka: Kabalikat sa Pag-aalaga ng Kalikasan Tungo sa Ikauunlad ng Agrikultura” focused on updates in market linkaging, packaging of agricultural products, creation of awareness and preservation of their respective environment and other farmers concerns.

In his opening day message, North Cotabato OIC provincial agriculturist Engr. Eliseo Mangliwan emphasized the significance of the affair and said it is important that each town in North Cotabato send their delegates to the congress.

 “This event is only conducted once a year, therefore everything that the farmers absorb here is important and very useful” Mangliwan said.

Meanwhile, in his welcome address, Magpet Mayor Efren Piñol thanked all the farmer delegates who came from Midsayap, Aleosan, Banisilan, Pigcawayan in the first district and Tulunan, M’lang, Kabacan, Matalam, President Roxas, Antipas and Kidapawan City in the second district.

Mayor Piñol expressed optimism that the congress will not just pave the way for the farmers and their families to have a strong relation and communication but will also be a venue for them to air their farming and livelihood concerns.

 “Magpet has lot to offer, and has products like Tahiti trees and tropical fruits like durian and lansones, not to mention our farm lands here and the abundance of natural resources,” Mayor Piñol told the participants.

This is the second time that the town of Magpet was selected to host the congress. It first served as host in 2007.

Also present on the opening day were North Cotabato Governor Jesus Sacdalan  and Vice Governor Manny Piñol who presented his comprehensive hog industry development program for North Cotabato utilizing the resources of his Braveheart Farms, a private enterprise.

Department of Trade and Industry South Cotabato provincial director Flora Gabunales, a native of Magpet, talked about product selling, marketing promotion and product labeling which she said waere very important for the farmers on North Cotabato.

The provincial government of North Cotabato, through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist and Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, and Department of Agriculture Regional Office XII financed the 3-day activity and provided manpower assistance in the conduct of the affair.