Samahan ng mga Magmamais ng Katimugang Mindoro (SAMAKAMI) and Malubay Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (MARBA) celebrated their 1st Harvest Festival themed “Samahan Kaagapay ng Pamahalaan sa Programang Pagmamaisan Tungo sa Maunlad na Pamayanan” in Malubay, Gloria, Oriental Mindoro on January 27, 2017.
The harvest festival is a way of thanksgiving of the farmers under SAMAKAMI and MARBA. They are aiming to be the largest producer of Sabmit Corn Variety (native variety) targeting 1 metric ton per hectare.
The celebration was attended by Ronie F. Panoy, Chief DA MiMaRoPa’s Operations Division; Engr. Christine C. Inting, Regional Corn and Cassava Coordinator; Engr. Coleta Quindong, Agriculture Program Coordinating Officer; Ely H. Vargas, Assistant Provincial Agriculturist (APA) ; August F. Mantaring, Municipal Agriculturist Officer (MAO)of Gloria ; Arnel Hutalia, Provincial Director of Department of Trade Industry (DTI); Colonel Antonio G. Parlade, 203rd Brigade Commander; and Ms. Fe Aquiliza de Leon, Provincial Information Officer.
Mr. Sammy V. Villacorta, the president of SAMAKAMI, narrated the story of the place before it became a corn field. “No’ng una talaga, itong lugar na ‘to ay hindi fit for agriculture, kasi no source of water. Pero kami dito sa SAMAKAMI ay pinatunayan namin na pwede palang mapakinabangan itong mahigit 300 ektaryang lupa na ito dahil sa biyayang dulot ng ulan,” he said.
Villacorta also mentioned the efforts of MARBA regarding their battle in claiming the land as agricultural land.
Operations Chief Ronie F. Panoy gave message to the farmers. He inspired the farmers to do more in order to achieve success in their lives. He also mentioned that DA will be more than happy to help them with their needs.
The program was followed by a boodle fight featuring the delicacies of the municipality. After which, the hosts toured the guests to their corn fields.
