BAR participates in Agraryo Trade Fair; showcases NTCP products

Megatrade Hall 2, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City
4-8 June 2008

Text by Ma. Eloisa E. Hernandez
Photos by Ma. Eloisa E. Hernandez and Nicanor B. del Rosario III

This year’s Agraryo Trade Fair which carries the theme, Celebrating Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ (ARBs) Growth and Success, is organized by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in celebration of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program’s (CARP) 20th Anniversary.

Welcoming the participants for the agraryo fair is DAR Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman . “Celebrating ARBs’ growth and success are a fitting description of DAR’s intent to drumbeat the victories and advances in terms of ARB product promotion in the mainstream market while taking on the challenge to meet food security goals,” Secretary Pangandaman says.

Honorable Speaker of the House Prospero C. Nograles serves as this year’s guest speaker. In his speech, he highlighted that this year’s theme which according to him, “amply describe the upliftment of the lives of the beneficiaries of CARP”. Speaker Nograles committed to do anything to pass the extension of the CARP for the next five years before Congress adjourns on 13 June 2008

In behalf of BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar, Assistant Director Teodoro S. Solsoloy receives the Gawad Agraryo plaque for being one of this year’s sponsors. Other sponsors are the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Tourism (DoT), Land Bank of the Philippines (LDP), San Miguel Corporation (SMC), First Asia Realty Development Corporation, Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and National Historical Institute (NHI).

Philippine Fruits and Vegetable Industries, Inc. President Solomon D. Badoy (left), together with the Speaker Nograles (center), Sec. Pangandaman (right) and other key officials officially open the event.

Ms. Julia A Lapitan of the Management Information Systems Division (MISD) introduces BAR’s showcase for the agraryo fair. BAR’s booth highlights products and technologies funded under the National Technology Commercialization Program (NTCP) and the Community-based Participatory Action Research (CPAR).

Director Eleazar (fourth from left) poses with BAR exhibitors. Products on display are oregano wine and vinegar, garlic, mango products, salted duck eggs, dehydrated queen pineapple, processed carabao’s milk, and indian and piko products.