AMONG the lauded programs and projects in the country, the Tabo sa Pao of Negros Oriental has been picked as one of the Galing Pook award finalists this year.

Tabo sa Pao is "bagsakan (market)" of fresh and locally produced agriculture and fish products offered for sale in retail and wholesale quantities at affordable prices.

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It is manned by the Provincial Agriculturist's Office and is held at the Pao compound every Wednesday and Sunday.

No foreign products are allowed in the Tabo sa Pao, according to Pao information officer Nitz Bangay.

She explained that any product not produced in the province is not allowed in the Tabo sa Pao like red onions and garlic.

She said though that the farmers in the province are trying to plant red onions and garlic but have not produced them until this time.

On the other hand, the Tabo sa Pao is intended only for organically produced products from farmers belonging to the Barangay Agricultural Development Center (BADC) and Gulayan Palaisdaan Alay sa Kabataan (GPAK).

The BADC and GPAK are both awardees of the Galing Pook Foundation.

Bangay said the members of the screening committee of the Galing Pook Foundation were impressed with the Tabo sa Pao during their recent visit in the province.

Governor Emilio Macias II, together with Pao top officials headed by Provincial Agriculturist Gregorio Paltinca, will present the uniqueness and laudable objectives of the Tabo sa Pao during the final screening that will be held at the Social Development Complex, Ateneo de Manila in Quezon City Friday.

Agriculture committee chair Napolion Villegas, Negros Oriental Provincial Board member, is pushing for the institutionalization of Tabo sa Pao.

In Thursday's regular session, the Provincial Board passed on third and final reading the ordinance institutionalizing the Tabo sa Pao program.

Villegas told Sun.Star that the establishment of Tabo sa Pao is reflective of the development plans of the government that are anchored on food security, food production, poverty alleviation, livelihood, and employment aimed at improving the socio-economic well being of the Negros Oriental family.

Villegas added it is imperative that the Tabo sa Pao be sustained and institutionalized, unaffected by any change in leadership. (VLC)

For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Iloilo.

(December 5, 2008 issue)
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