Agriculture secretary Alcala to visit Siquijor island

By Rizalie A. Calibo

Siquijor, Apr 13 (PIA)-- Agriculture secretary Proceso J. Alcala is set to visit Siquijor island on April 19-21 for a series of agricultural-oriented activities in the province. 

The secretary is expected to hold a dialogue with local government units (LGUs), farmer-leaders, and other stakeholders here on agricultural development issues. 

Alcala will also grace the Technoclinic and Farmers Forum on Crop and Livestock Services, as well as the equipment demonstration and turn-over of post-harvest equipment on the first day of his visit. 

On the second day, the Secretary will visit the farm of 2011 4H Gawad Saka Awardee Elnard Ympal in San Juan, Siquijor. 

Other activities scheduled during the secretary's visit include presentation of the provincial agricultural roadmap, organic agriculture updates and request for irrigation and post-harvest facilities by Siquijor Provincial Governor Orlando A. Fua Jr. 

He will also visit the local projects implemented by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), National Irrigation Authority (NIA), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), and the Office of the ProviNcial Agriculturist (OPA). 

In a meeting Tuesday at the Provincial Capitol, Siquijor,Siquijor, Technical Director for Operations Angel Enriquez of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit in Region 7 (DA-RFU 7) said the Secretary will depart from Cebu in the afternoon of April 19 following his speaking engagement at the Hog Convention and Trade Exhibits at Cebu International Convention Center. 

Enriquez said the Secretary’s visit is the best time for Siquijor to show its potential in agriculture. 

He urged local officials to make it as memorable as possible. 

The secretary is scheduled to leave Siquijor in the afternoon of April 21. 

Sec. Alacala’s visit is in line with DA’s current thrust to provide the needed assistance to empower farmers and fisherfolk and rural communities in boosting their production and income.(rmn/RAC-PIA 7, Siquijor)