THE City Government of Bago is banking on agriculture and tourism to further boost the livelihood and income of the locals this year, its top official said.
Mayor Nicholas Yulo said agri-tourism sector has been providing the most number of livelihood for the Bagonhons.
"That is why we are strengthening the agriculture and tourism," Yulo said, adding that "because we believe that these will propel the city to improve the lives of the people."
Considered as the rice granary of Negros Occidental, Bago City now produces 20 percent of the province's total rice production.
In fact, the city noted an increase of their annual rice production in 2019.
From 4.1 metric tons (MT) per hectare in 2018, the city's average yield went up to 4.4 MT per hectare last year.
Yulo said farm mechanization efforts along with other initiatives like distribution of certified rice seeds have contributed to better production output.
The mayor, though, said they are still challenged as some farmers are not accepting new farming technologies.
"For now, we are 30 to 40 percent mechanized. We want all farmers to adopt new practices," he said, adding that "the challenge has been there and that would not stop us to improve our agriculture industry."
Aside from farm mechanization, the local government is also pushing for the development of its organic agriculture.
"We will continue to strengthen the niche for organic farming. Aside from helping the farmers through better income, it addresses health issues," Yulo said.
Most tourists are now health conscious so organic agriculture is a boon to the city's tourism industry, he added.
Moreover, the local government has realized that agri-tourism industry growth should be complemented by infrastructure development.
"We will push for better infrastructure," Yulo said, adding that more emphasis will also be given to education through the Bago City College and health through the city hospital.