THE Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPA) in Aklan officially started institutionalizing the "plantitas" industry for gardeners who engaged in the production of ornamental plants.

Alexys Apolonio of OPA said they launched the roadshow of plantita producers at the Aklan Provincial Capitol grounds last Saturday. At least 115 ornamental plants producers have registered.

"This is integrated with the program of the OPA of marketing the products of our farmers and producers. Traditionally, we market the product of farmers who are into vegetable gardening and fruit harvesting," Apolonio said.

The OPA noted an increase of ornamental plant growers because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"This roadshow will be done every Saturday for residents who wanted to buy ornamental plants. In the weeks to come, we will also add the products of farmers who are into vegetable and food production in the coming months," Apolonio added.

The OPA urged Aklan residents to strictly adhere to physical distancing and other measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19. (SunStar Philippines)