PIA Dispatch - Friday, June 11, 2010

Rubber farmers graduate in the midst of Hudyaka

Zamboanga del Norte - Summertime is fading away, but the big bang of excitement exploded at the most peaceful province of the south. With a 9-day celebration from June 4 to 12, 2010 a buffet of fun, food, relaxation, adventure  and a glimpse of the Filipino Heritage in Zamboanga del Norte, where Dr. Jose Rizal was exiled and spent four years of true service.

The event pays tribute to the province’s 58th Founding Anniversary, and an avenue to promote its rich culture and history, as well as its multitude of scenic eco-tourist destinations. “Hudyaka” is an old local dialect which means a “great moment of merry-making.” The festivities has prepared a long line of activities as everyone bid goodbye to the hot summer season.

Zanorte also showcased their agricultural products through booth and farm product display participated by the municipalities of the province giving a big impact to their agri-tourism industry.

One of Hudyaka’s highlights was the graduation of 78 rubber farmers from the municipalities of Siayan, Sindangan and Jose Dalman  from the 3rd district of Zamboanga del Norte who completed the course on Rubber Production through the  Department of Agriculture’s University On-the-Air (UOA) Program dubbed as Unilando sa Kahanginan.  Topics include Nursery Establishment, Intercropping Practices, Tapping Management, among others.  

Mr. Manule Prejoles, Jr. from the municipality of Sindangan was the class valedictorian while Ms. Eufemia Balangitao of Jose Dalman was the salutatorian.  With honors were Evangeline C. Abe and Marcelina C. Nueva from Siayan, Basilio M. Balangitao, Jr., Isabelita O. Maata, and Josephine C. Ontolan from Jose Dalman, Myrna G. Silvano, Armando E. Silvano and Hermilita Z. Perez from the municipality of Sindangan.  Honor students were awarded with medallions and tokens.

Governor Yebes deeply expressed his happiness and acknowledged the achievements of his province because of motivated and hardworking people. 

“Ang Zamboanga del Norte usa ka agricultural province maong wala kitay kapaingnan kondili ang magkugi diha sa pagpanguma. Maong gihangyo ko kamo nga magkugi sa kanunay kay ang probinsyal nga kagamhanan ang sa kanunay nga magaagak ug magtabang kaninyo. Ato kining ipadayon nga programa sa ingon  nga mailhan ang atong probinsya sa mga syudad sa Cebu, Bohol, Dumaguete ug bisan pa man sa Metro Manila nga nagasupply kita ug mga klase-klase ug bulto-bultong pang agrikultura nga mga produkto,” (Zamboanga del Norte is an agricultural province and that’s the reason that we should work hard in farming. That’s why I’m encouraging you all to work hard as you always know that the provincial government is ready to help you. Let’s continue this program. I want this province be known to cities of Cebu, Bohol, Dumaguete and even to Metro Manila that we can supply bountiful agricultural products), Yebes said.

University-On- the-Air (UOA) is a non-formal education. Farmer-students are officially enrolled in the program. Short quizzes are aired where the students either submit their answers straight to the station or through their Municipal Agriculturist. Students should complete or pass all requirements including the final exam in order to qualify for graduation.

The program was also grace by Vice Governor Francis Olvis who has been represented by 3rd district Board Member Florentino Daarol, Dapitan Mayor Dominador Jalosjos, Mayor of Mutia Melba S. Tenorio, Rizal Mayor Roseller Manisaca and DA-Regional Executive Director Dr. Oscar O. Parawan represented by Reynaldo Campomanes the Provincial Agricultural Coordinator of Zamboanga del Norte, Ms. Maria Melba B. Wee, Chief of the Information Division of DA, and Ms. Anita Gallebo  from the High Value Commercial Crops (HVCC).

Meanwhile, Hudyaka was also celebrated with a convention of farmers in a two-day farm family forum. This paid   tribute to the farmers and fisherfolk of the province who work hard to provide food on the table not just for the ZaNorteans but also to the neighboring provinces and some cities in the Visayas area.

Mr. Cesar Malinao from Sergio Sergio Osmeña, Regional Gawad Saka Winner of the Department of Agriculture was given a plaque of recognition from the provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte by no less than Governor Yebes. (Mark Brian Laride/DA9)