Boholano farmers’ fresh produce
showcased at Sandugo Agri-Fair 2025
By Elvira C. Bongosia

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA)–The Provincial Government of Bohol through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) officially opened the Sandugo Agri-Fair 2025 on July 14 at Plaza Rizal in Tagbilaran City.

The Sandugo Agri-Fair is an annual activity which is part of the annual Sandugo Festival celebration that showcases Boholano farmer’s fresh produce.

Plaza Rizal has transformed into a vibrant marketplace where booths overflow with native delicacies, freshly harvested crops, organic products, and agri-based innovations.

With this year’s theme: “Agrikultura sa Kasingkasing, Kina-iya, Kalamboan ug Kahiusahan,” the event highlights unity, growth, and heart in agriculture.

A total of 28 municipalities and 20 private exhibitors participated in this year’s Agri-Fair.

The participating local government units include Calape, Carmen, Panglao, Loon, Lila, Ubay, Alburquerque, Talibon, Batuan, Duero, Loboc, Valencia, Bien Unido, Dauis, San Miguel, Sierra Bullones, Maribojoc, Tagbilaran City, Getafe, Sikatuna, Antequera, Cortes, Bilar, Baclayon, Pilar, Sagbayan, Buenavista, and Baclayon.

Complementing the local government booths are private exhibitors such as TRice, UNAHCO Pigrolac, BONACGA, UBBAI, New Hope Feeds, Balai Cacao, Bugas Bol-anon, Pilar Frozen, BODACO, KBoom, UBurfa, BISU-Main, and Bilar, as well as national and regional partners including SL Agritech, ACPC, PAC, DA-BES, NIA, DA-PATCO, and DA APC.

Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, in his message, highlighted the importance of agriculture as one of his administration’s top priorities in his second term, citing food security as a fundamental concern.

“Gikinahanglang masiguro ang food security tungod sa padayong pagtubo sa populasyon ug pagdagsa sa mga turista. Tungod niini, kinahanglan nga mas lig-on ug planado ang food security, aron masiguro nga adunay igong suplay sa pagkaon alang sa tanan,” said Aumentado.

(Food security needs to be ensured due to the continued growth of the population and the influx of tourists. For this reason, food security needs to be stronger and more planned, to ensure that there is an adequate supply of food for everyone.)

Partner agencies support

DA-7 Regional Director Angel Enriquez, represented by Roman Dabalos, underscored the importance of strengthened partnerships between government and local producers.

He shared that even though there is no literal blood compact, the unity between DA7, the province, and other agencies for agriculture in Bohol is strong and lasting.

Newly installed Agricultural Training Institute (ATI)-7 OIC Center Director Vianney Ojerio lauded Bohol as a model for community-led agriculture where tradition and innovation harmonize.

He underscored the value of strong partnerships among stakeholders, farmers, and fishers—aligned with ATI’s mission of empowering communities for sustainable agri-fishery development.

On the other hand, Dr. Proceso Castin, Bohol Island State University-Bilar Campus Director and keynote speaker, emphasized the agri-fair’s role in empowering communities through a platform where tradition meets innovation, and where collaboration leads to sustainability and productivity. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

‘Bugas Bol-anon,’ locally grown, high quality rice are sold at P40 per kilo while fresh harvest fruits from the Municipality of Panglao are displayed at the Sandugo Agri-Fair at Plaza Rizal in Tagbilaran City. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)