LUBAO — Mayor Esmeralda “Esmi” Pineda said that she is looking at ways to boost the production of Sampaguita in different barangays of her town.
She said the volume of sampaguita produces in the town has been affected by the Covid 19 pandemic.
Speaking before members of the Pampanga Press Club, Pineda said that she is encouraging more growers to go back into sampaguita farming especially now that the pandemic restrictions have been eased.
Pineda said that she is looking at other markets for sampaguita and other innovative ways on how to add value into the product.
The mayor added that the challenge now is to encourage growers to plant again after being discouraged by the pandemic.
Early this year, the provincial government of Pampanga distributed a total of 3,000 seedlings to Sampaguita growers in Lubao town.
Some 50 Sampaguita growers from Barangay Sto. Domingo received assistance through the help of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Lubao.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) revealed its plans together with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the provincial government to preserve the industry of Sampaguita farming in Pampanga.
Sampaguita is grown in Lubao as well as in some barangays of Guagua and Floridablanca.
Sampaguita flowers and garlands are mainly sold in Metro Manila.