Arroyo to visit vegetable farms Saturday
03/21/2008 | 07:04 PM
MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo resumes her "working Holy Week" Saturday with visits to vegetable and strawberry farmers in the Betag district in La Trinidad town in Benguet province.
A Malacañang statement on Friday afternoon said Mrs Arroyo will motor to Betag for a firsthand look into the plight of upland farmers whose produce have been affected by blight due to temperature fluctuations.
Local government officials, farmers and researchers from the Benguet State University (BSU) will present the result of their studies on the processing of vegetables into veggie noodles, veggie meat, veggie sausage and dehydrated veggie noodles.
They believe processing vegetables instead of selling them to middlemen at low prices in case of natural calamities or a supply glut will help farmers earn higher income from their produce.
During Saturday's visit, Mrs Arroyo will also send off delivery trucks laden with processed vegetables from the country's vegetable bowl to Metro Manila markets.
Before going to Betag, she will distribute government assistance in nearby Puguis village, including rice and checks for farm-to-market road projects.
She will also distribute certificates to operate several Botika ng Barangay, about 3,000 Philhealth cards, certificates to operate Tindahan Natin in La Trinidad, self-employment assistance, scholarships, vegetable seeds, financial support for the vegetable industry, and English reading materials for teachers.
Accompanying her are Rep. Samuel Dangwa of the lone district of Benguet, and Gov. Nestor Fongwa. - GMANews.TV
A Malacañang statement on Friday afternoon said Mrs Arroyo will motor to Betag for a firsthand look into the plight of upland farmers whose produce have been affected by blight due to temperature fluctuations.
Local government officials, farmers and researchers from the Benguet State University (BSU) will present the result of their studies on the processing of vegetables into veggie noodles, veggie meat, veggie sausage and dehydrated veggie noodles.
They believe processing vegetables instead of selling them to middlemen at low prices in case of natural calamities or a supply glut will help farmers earn higher income from their produce.
During Saturday's visit, Mrs Arroyo will also send off delivery trucks laden with processed vegetables from the country's vegetable bowl to Metro Manila markets.
Before going to Betag, she will distribute government assistance in nearby Puguis village, including rice and checks for farm-to-market road projects.
She will also distribute certificates to operate several Botika ng Barangay, about 3,000 Philhealth cards, certificates to operate Tindahan Natin in La Trinidad, self-employment assistance, scholarships, vegetable seeds, financial support for the vegetable industry, and English reading materials for teachers.
Accompanying her are Rep. Samuel Dangwa of the lone district of Benguet, and Gov. Nestor Fongwa. - GMANews.TV
