SAN MATEO, Isabela—This town is currently holding six-day 10th Balatong Festival and 2nd Cagayan Valley Agricultural and Aquatic Resources Research and Development Fiesta with various activities aiming to strengthen its position as “Mongo Capital of the Philippines.”
“Mongo farming improves the life of my constituents,” said Mayor Crispina Agcaoili in a press conference here on Monday.
“We have prepared many activities to highlight the importance of this agricultural commodity in our town,” she added.
Officials of this town said they have 7,000 hectares planted with mongo with annual gross sales of P350 million.
Agcaoili aims to boost the mongo industry by adopting science and technology innovations being promoted by concerned government agencies like PCAARRD.
“It is good that our farmers are very receptive to new technologies,” the mayor added.
PCAARRD Applied Communication Division Director Marita Carlos, who was the guest of honor of the festival opening ceremony, said aside from production, Sta. Mateo farmers should start thinking processing mongo for added value. She cited sotanghon (glass noodles) that is made from yellow mongo.
“Submit proposals to us and we will readily evaluate them,” she told CVAARRD and LGU officials.
PCAARRD has been undertaking research and development initiatives to improve local mongo industry.
Aside from science and technology symposiums, activities in the festival include farm tour, setting up balatong village, investment forum, showcasing of mongo products, street dance, fun bike, and Mr. and Ms. San Mateo, among others. The festival will end on Thursday.