Dinagat islands: The province of Dinagat Islands is showcasing the agri-fisheries products of local farmers and fisherfolk organizations during a weeklong agricultural trade fair alongside the celebration of the 19th Charter Day of the province. The trade fair will continue until the weekend at the capitol grounds in Barangay Cuarinta, San Jose town. It features booths from the seven municipalities of the province, where local farm and fishery products are displayed for sale.

According to Philippines News Agency, Governor Nilo Demerey Jr. highlighted the importance of the trade fair, noting that it not only puts the spotlight on local products but also showcases the creativity and hard work of the farmers and fisherfolk. “Investing in our farmers and fisherfolk is an investment in the future of Dinagat Islands,” Demerey stated in a message.

The fair has already generated strong sales since it opened on September 27. Emelisa Ebueza, chief of the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of Basilisa, reported that the town’s booth, supplied by 34 farmers’ associations, recorded nearly PHP30,000 from sales of rice, fruits, and vegetables in the first two days. “People from San Jose and nearby towns arrived here at the capitol grounds to buy fresh and affordable farm products. This is a big help to our farmers,” Ebueza said.

Similarly, the Cagdianao town booth saw sales soar to over PHP60,000 in the first two days, mainly from dried fish products like boneless danggit and dried octopus. “These dried fish products are produced by our fisherfolk organizations in Cagdianao,” Merry Christ Cusio, an agricultural technologist from MAO-Cagdianao, explained.

Demerey has encouraged all visitors to the 19th Charter Day to explore the different booths and support the local agriculture and fishery sectors.