EASTERN VISAYAS – From August 24 to 29, 2023, the town of Arteche, Eastern Samar, came alive with the vibrant celebration of its local festival. As part of the festivities, seven farmer's associations, beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VIII's Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), showcased their diverse range of products.
This trade fair, known as the "Bantog Agri Trade and Tourism Fair," derived its name from the Waray word "bantog," which means "renowned" or "famous." The primary objective of this event was to support the farmers and fishermen of Arteche by enticing many buyers to patronize their fresh and reasonably priced products.
Additionally, it aimed to raise awareness about these associations by highlighting the quality of their offerings.
Seven SLPAs (Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations) participated in the event, each offering a unique selection of goods. These associations included the Balud OBOG Vegetables Farmers Association, Garden OBOG Vegetables Farmers Association, Carapdapan OBOG Vegetables Farmers Association, Beri OBOG Vegetables Farmers Association, Buenavista OBOG Vegetables Farmers Association, Bato OBOG Vegetables Farmers Association, and Conception OBOG Vegetables Farmers Association.
The Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) is a community-based initiative designed to provide appropriate capacity-building opportunities to improve the socioeconomic status of its beneficiaries. As part of the Convergence Strategy, the program seeks to assist Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries in making their livelihoods sustainable and expanding the five-year interventions to enhance their social well-being.
The "Bantog Agri Trade and Tourism Fair" not only promoted these farmers' products but also highlighted the success of programs like the SLP in uplifting the lives of Filipinos in Eastern Samar. —iTacloban (Source: DSWD-EV)