MAASIN CITY– The Department of Agriculture- Regional Office 8 is proud to support the Pabulhon Festival of Maasin, Southern Leyte with its theme: “Maasin@ 25: A Silver journey of a City bonded by FAITH, built by AJONAY.”
This celebration showcases the rich culture, vibrant heritage, and agricultural bounty of the City of Maasin, and the province of Southern Leyte in general.
Pabulhon is a Visayan term for collective undertaking. It’s a yearly festival in celebration of the bountiful harvest that the local farmers and fisherfolk have been getting from their vast farm areas and rich fishing grounds/seas.
The opening of Pabulhon Agri-Aqua Fair and Garden Show was graced by no less than DA-8 Regional Executive Director Andrew Rodolfo T. Orais, a native of Malitbog, Southern Leyte, who is happily married to Ms Agnes Aunzo Orais of Brgy. Canturing, Maasin City.
In his opening statement, Director Orais said: “it’s nice to be home!” He also told his audience that the agri expo resonates the core of sustainable development in the countryside. As such he felt proud to be a witness to the great transformation of Maasin City to what it is now!
He lauded his fellow Southern Leyteños for such yearly event and for organizing it on the occasion of its 25th Charter Day Celebration.
According to him, the myriad of agricultural products such as food delicacies, plant ornaments, and even native products of the barangays exhibited in their well-designed booths are reflective of the good looks, and how hardworking the Southern Leyteños are.
The Lady Mayor Hon. Luz Verano -Mercado herself, thanked Director Orais and party for gracing the festival. She said that “hand-in-hand with partner stakeholders, especially the DA, we celebrate this annual spectacle in the City.”
She also recognized the support of the 1st District Representative Roger Mercado, Governor Damian Mercado, Vice Governor Melai Gaviola – Mercado, Vice Mayor Maria Effie Sabandal, and the City Councilors -particularly SB Eliseo Costillas who were either among the VIP attendees or have joined through their authorized representative.
(FRANCIS ROSAROSO)
