Cutflower growers hold general assembly
In preparation of the forthcoming 10th Philippine Floriculture Congress on November 14-16, 2006 in Iloilo, the Federation of Iloilo Horticulture Associations, Inc. (FIHA) hold its general assembly on August 18, 2006 in Leganes, Iloilo.
The congress with year's theme: Buds, Blossoms and Beyond, will focus on the latest trends, technology and opportunities in the field of floriculture industry in the production and marketing aspects. This includes networking technology and communication systems that could provide fast and easy access from both local and foreign markets.
The activity will further enhance the earning potentials of cutflower and ornamental plant growers and at the same time will surely help increase the awareness of horticulture and cutflower enthusiasts and backyard growers.
The assembly was attended by presidents of various cutflower associations in Iloilo Province to renew their commitment and support to this big event for the city and province of Iloilo.
Provincial Agriculturist Zafiro Palabrica encouraged every member to do his or her share for the success of this congress, as this will not only promote the name of their Federation but also of Iloilo.
Board Member Cecilia H. Capadosa (Iloilo, 2nd District) also expressed her willingness to help for the success of this event and advised everyone to "hold on together in order to survive."
Meanwhile, in her written message for the federation, First Lady Myra Causing Tupas, secretary-general of the forthcoming congress, also encouraged everyone that "aside from making our homes comfortable and beautiful, engaging in ornamental horticulture industry has great potentials for investment opportunities."
She said "our dear Governor is behind this project. This is because he believes that investments in floriculture generate income and helps alleviate poverty."
Tupas said the province of Iloilo extends support and technical assistance to the horticulture industry through symposia, trainings, seminar--workshops, and demonstration trials which showcase ideal areas where these products are actually grown and nurtured.
She said, "I believe that given the proper environment, appropriate farm inputs, and other considerations required by technicians, our products can compete with imported ones. I believe, our homegrown flowers are beautiful which can turn to thousand of wonders in the hands of expert flower arrangers. Let us be innovative and experimental for this purpose."
Present during the gathering were Leganes Sangguniang Bayan member Allen Españo (in behalf of Mayor Adolfo Jaen), FIHA President Carol Estilo, Leganes Garden Club President Reynaldo Janeo, Mr. Nonito Gulmatico (LGC member), Mrs. Corazon Jagunap (FIHA, Board Member) and Ms. Nielette "Tweety" Tupas-Balleza, Executive Assistant III.
This assembly of cutflower growers was initiated by the congress' secretariat chaired by Ms. Salvacion I. Sibonga of Provincial Agriculture Office.
(Capitol News)