Capitol marks 446th year

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2015/08/02/capitol-marks-446th-year-422447
• Sunday, August 2, 2015

By Oscar C. Pineda

AUGUST will be a busy month for the Provincial Government of Cebu.

This, as the Province will mark the 446th founding anniversary of Cebu.

Acting Gov. Agnes Magpale will lead the opening of the month-long celebration, which will kick off with the launching of an Agri-Aqua Fair at the Provincial Capitol grounds at 8 a.m. today.

Maria Theresa Abella, fair coordinator, said that at least 510 farmers and local agriculture officials are expected to attend the festivities, which will run until Aug. 8.

Abella said that 18 piglets and 18 goats will also be raffled off during the occasion.

Acting Provincial Agriculture Head Roldan Saragena said that during today’s opening of the fair, a total of 500 kilos of bangus (milkfish) from a fishpond in the City of Naga will be sold at P100 per kilo, which is cheaper by P20 compared to the regular market price. Tilapia, another variety of fish, from San Francisco, Camotes Island will also be available for sale at the fair.

The Province will spend some P342,000 for the fair.

The Provincial Government has declared Aug. 12 as a Farmers’ Day, aimed at recognizing the farmers for helping the government in the implementation of its various programs down to the household level.

The Province will recognize 10 outstanding farmers who will each receive a plaque of recognition and P5,000 cash during the ceremony.

The recognition of farmers was made through the initiative of Capitol consultant for agriculture, Dr. Romulo Davide, who introduced the Farmer-Scientist Training Program, and supported by a resolution of the Provincial Board.

“This year, it has been conceptualized that not only the creative Cebuanos will be recognized and awarded, but also the people who have given us life and the food that we eat,” said Saragena.

Gov. Hilario Davide III will not be around for the opening of the founding anniversary celebration as he is on official trip in Japan from July 30 to Aug. 10.

Davide was invited by Toyo University’s Asian Public-Private Partnership Institute to participate in the second international public-private partnership forum.