MAGALANG, Pampanga – This municipality led by Mayor Maria Lourdes “Malu” Lacson hosted an agricultural conference aimed at helping famers and boosting their productions.
The 2-day conference from August 15 to 16 at the Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) aims to bring together agricultural experts, farmers, and industry leaders. It was attended by key officials, including National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Dr. Larry Lacson, Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Executive Director Dr. Eduardo Lapuz Jr., PSAU President Dr. Anita David and Councilor Norman Lacson.
The first-ever agricultural conference is part of the ongoing Camaru Festival.
“As an agricultural town, Magalang continues its efforts and programs to support our farmers. This event is a testament to our ongoing dedication to enhancing our agricultural sector and ensuring food security for our community,” Mayor Lacson said.
In his speech, Dr. Lacson disclosed that Magalang farmers produce at least 25 thousand metric tons of rice per year. He added that the population of some 125,000 (according to 2020 census) needs about 17, 000 metric tons of rice per year.
“This is good. Our farmers produce more than what the population needs. But this is not enough. We should help the government produce more rice,” said Dr. Lacson in the dialect.
He stressed that “we must help the vision and mission of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to sustain food security and affordability.”
Dr. Lacson said the 106.7 million population of the country needs 16 million metric tons of rice per year. He added that the country’s farmers produce about 13 million metric tons of rice yearly.
“This is why we still import rice,” he added.
Muncipal Agriculturist Royce Lising said Magalang has some 2,000 farmers and fisherfolk and the town has some 4,000 hectares of farmlands and fishponds.
Lapuz hailed the conference, saying such event help farmers improve their production and knowledge.
“I hope this will not be the first and last agricultural conference,” he said.
Mayor Lacson led the awarding of outstanding farmers, fisherfolk, farmers’ groups and young farmers. Some 360 farmers attended the conference.
