Clustered Vegetable Farmers Unite for Semestral Meeting in Naval, Biliran

September 9, 2025 | OPAS Multi-Purpose Building, Calumpang, Naval

The Provincial Government of Biliran, through the Office of the Provincial Agricultural Services (OPAS), gathered clustered vegetable farmers across the province for the Semestral Meeting held on September 9, 2025, at the OPAS Multi-Purpose Building in Brgy. Calumpang, Naval.

This important event became a platform for farmers to share experiences, identify challenges, and explore opportunities to further strengthen the province’s agricultural sector.

Governor Rogelio J. Espina encouraged farmers to think outside the box and pursue value-adding initiatives that can create new income streams and benefit local communities.

“ Let us be innovative, creative. Puwede tayong gumawa ng noodles na may squash o malunggay, o vegetable powders na pwedeng ibenta at bilhin ng LGUs para sa feeding programs. Malaki ang potensyal natin basta may sipag at suporta,” Gov. Espina said.

Strengthening Support for Farmers

Also highlighted available support and programs from different government agencies:

He stressed the need to maximize these opportunities:

“The problem is not the lack of ideas, but access to capital. That is why we must explore partnerships with agencies like Land Bank,” he added.

The governor called on farmers to work together as one cluster to maximize government projects.

“Kung posible, let’s join forces. Sayang kung may project pero hindi masasamantala dahil hindi tayo nagtutulungan. Ang importante ay may misyon at vision tayo. Hindi lang basta upo at hintay ng ayuda,” Gov. Espina stated.

The meeting concluded with renewed optimism as farmers and stakeholders committed to innovation, cooperation, and sustainability.

“We have a dream, and with God’s grace, we can achieve it. Kaya napakahalaga ng ganitong semestral meeting—dito natin nailalabas ang ating experiences at natutulungan ang isa’t isa,” Gov. Espina emphasized.

The Clustered Vegetable Farmers Semestral Meeting serves as a springboard for advancing local agriculture in Biliran—anchored on innovation, shared vision, and unity.