THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 7 has participated in a food fair that features local products.

The event, “A Gardening and Fresh Local Produce Fair,” is an initiative by Robinsons Galleria Cebu, which partners with the Department of Agriculture (DA) 7.

The fair was launched on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020. The BFAR 7-Fisheries Production and Support Services Division assisted one of the exhibitors at the event, the agency reported on its Facebook page.

DA 7 Technical Director Marina Hermoso, together with the top executives of Robinsons Galleria Cebu, graced the ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the food fair. The fair’s first run was from Oct. 15 to 18; it will open again from Oct. 22 to 25.

In her speech at the formal opening, Hermoso encouraged consumers to patronize locally produced food.

Hermoso said buying and consuming local products are ways to support local farmers and fishermen. She described the farmers and fishermen as one of the “heroes” and “frontliners” amid the crisis brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

“We will continue to promote locally sourced products. We are committed to help our farmers and fishermen and, at the same time, we will help them market their produce,” Hermoso said.

She added that setting up food fairs and partnering with the business sector are among the initiatives to drum up the “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” program, a brainchild of Agriculture Secretary William Dar, who had said local food production must be prioritized.

The food fair is one of the significant events lined up for the nationwide observance of World Food Day, which is celebrated every Oct. 16.

World Food Day was established by members of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in November 1979.