The Davao City Agriculturists Office (CAgrO) opened the month of May with a celebration of resilience and pride, honoring the Dabawenyo farmers and fisherfolk whose hands secure the city’s food supply and strengthen the nation’s economy.
The observance, declared under Proclamation No. 33, recognizes the vital role of agriculture and fisheries in nation-building and affirms government support for farmers and fisherfolk in maximizing their contribution to the country’s wealth.
Ofelia S. Mantapidao, Agriculturist II, Institutional Development Services Division of CAgrO, told the City Information Office (CIO) that the celebration is a way of giving due recognition to the farmers and fisherfolk who sustain Davao’s households and communities through their hard work in the fields and seas.
“Para gyud ni siya sa atoang mga farmers and fisherfolks nga in recognize ang ilahang efforts in contributing the food security sa atoang city and whole Philippines (This is really for our farmers and fisherfolk, recognizing their efforts in contributing to food security in our city and the whole Philippines),” she said.
Throughout May, the CAgrO has lined up a series of activities across districts, including seed distributions, production training, livestock workshops, and industry forums.
One of the programs lined-up for the month-long observance is the Bangus Deboning Training for the Bucana Lasang Fisherfolk Association on May 12, 2026 at Barangay Lasang, Bunawan District.
On May 15, 2026 there will be pilot operation of RIC Physical store (Daily Fresh) on May 8, 2026 at DFTC compound at Daliao, Toril District, Davao City.
On May 27, 2026 farmers will also gather at Apo View Hotel for the Cacao Industry Technical Forum, followed by the Durian Industry Technical Forum on May 28, 2026.
A massive Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation registration will be conducted in Marilog District from May 4 to May 14, 2026.
Meanwhile, CAgrO also distributed 280 packs of vegetable seedlings on May 1, 2026 at Camella, Barangay Sto. Niño.
This was followed by another distribution on May 4, 2026 at the Mintal District Hall where 480 packs of vegetable seedlings were also provided to the farmers.
Mantapidao urges farmers and fisherfolk to take part in the activities to gain new knowledge and skills, ensuring that they continue to thrive and remain recognized as pillars of Davao’s development.
She also emphasized that farmers who wish to take part in the celebration may simply proceed to their respective district offices, where announcements and schedules of activities have already been posted.
“Gina awhag nato ang atoang mga farmers and fisherfolks nga mag participate ta sa atoang celebration is because para gyud ni sa atoa as farmers para daghan pa ta og additional na matun’an kung maka attend og training, orientations ug activities nga gi prepare sa atoang City Agriculturists Office (We encourage our farmers and fisherfolk to participate in our celebration because it is really for them, so we can learn more if we attend the training, orientations, and activities prepared by our City Agriculturists Office),” she added. CIO
Written by: N. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal