Farmers from upland brgys join Agro Fair

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government has initiated an Agro Fair to officially kick off the celebration of Nutrition Month with more than 20 farmers from different upland city barangays selling vegetable and fruit products outside the Cebu City Hall.

The one-week fair started last Monday and will end this afternoon.

Although the fair seems only short-term, the participating vendors have expressed optimism seeing the trade fair as an avenue for them to reachout to more local customers.

"Nalipay rapud mi kay maayo nalang makabalhin mi og puwesto panagsa, unya dugang pud ni sa among kita kay ubay-ubay man ang manghapit dinhi," said 54-year-old AlmanitaMabini, a farmer from upland barangay of Guba.

She has been selling vegetables at the Carbon Public Market but for the meantime she has joined the event with hopes to augment her income.

The vendor added that on the first day she earned P2,000. Another trader, 38-year-old Lea Yamilo, shared that majority of the customers who are visiting the venue are mostly employees from nearby business establishments.

The City Agriculture Department has partnered with different farmer associations in the city to bring agriculture growers to the fair for the said satellite market, Anie Saavedra, CAD urban agri coordinator, told The FREEMAN. 

"At least, padugang pud ni sa income sa atong mga mag-uuma," Saavedra said, adding that vendors are staying at the venue for free.

She said that aside from the Agro Fair, other satellite markets are also established at different urban barangays to give farmers the chance to sell directly to consumers without having to go through middlemen. These outpost markets are located in barangays Mabolo, Apas and Mambaling.

At least six upland barangays--Adlawon, Taptap, Guba, Sirao, Sudlon II and Tabunan--have sent their farmers to this week's fair. (FREEMAN)