MANOLO FORTICH, BUKIDNON. Congresswoman Maria Lourdes Acosta-Alba of the 1st District of Bukidnon commends Local Government Unit of Manolo Fortich and the Farm Business School graduates of the muicipality for the solid partnership in pursuing agri-preneurship in the municipality. Congresswoman Acosta-Alba is the guest speaker during the 3rd anniversary celebration of the Manolo Fortich Farm Business School Foods and Agri-product Processors Association, Inc. (MFFBSFAPPA, Inc.). The association is an offshoot of the two batches of Training on Farm Business School conducted by ATI-RTC X in November 2015.

In her message Congresswoman Acosta-Alba, also congratulated the local Agriculture Office headed by Municipal Agriculturist Cynthia Velasco, for the continuous support to the association, and the strong cooperation among the members of the association. She also mentioned about the Pasalubong Center for Bukidnon products located at the Laguindingan airport, where the association members can place their products for sale. As a rejoinder to the commitments of other agencies, the Congresswoman also committed to provide the additional funds for the Push Cart which the association need in marketing their products.
Mentioning her priority bills in congress, Congresswoman Acosta-Alba happily announced that among her priorities are for the cityhood of Manolo Fortich and the Magna Carta for Agricultural Development Workers that will establish the agricultural workers rights and provide the mechanism for career development.
The 3rd Anniversary celebration of MFFBSFAPPA, Inc. is an annual gathering of the graduates of the FBS to showcase and promote their food and agri-products. The celebration is held at the Municipal Hall Lobby which opened an opportunity of the people of Manolo Fortich to have a free taste of their own products.
Also in her message ATI-RTC 10 OIC Center Director Maria Lydia A. Echavez expressed her gratitude for the Municipal Agriculture Office of Manolo Fortich for the continuous support, and the participants who continue to improve their lives through entrepreneurship. She encouraged the participants to avail of the training programs of ATI. “You are the seed. What ATI can do is just to provide you with the environment, good education and training for you to grow”, she said. Ms. Echavez also informed the group that although the 20 thousand pesos from ATI which is intended for push cart, other agencies are ready to assist group of farmers, only if you search for assistance from other agencies.
Product exhibitors also include other invited entrepreneurs such as Joji’s Peanut Butter, and the Mana Packaging that showcased its packaging materials and style, including other packaging equipment that small businessmen can use.
Showcased products are cassava cakes with chocolate, turmeric powder, bacon, vegetable salad and dressing, coffee, peanut butter, ube products, adlay, honey and many other organically grown products.