‘Barakahan sa Kapitolyo’ Bazaar Enhances Sales for Local Farmers and Fishers

Batangas – In Batangas, the provincial government is leveraging the holiday season to boost the sales of local agricultural products and support the livelihoods of Batangueño farmers and fisherfolk. The ‘Barakahan sa Kapitolyo’ (Camaraderie at the Capitol) bazaar, organized by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg), offers a venue where locally grown goods are sold directly to consumers at farmgate prices.

According to Philippines News Agency, head of OPAg, in an interview with the Philippine News Agency on Sunday, the bazaar began on Friday and is scheduled to continue until December 24.

Bautista highlighted that the bazaar enables local producers to bypass intermediaries, selling their products directly to consumers. He reported that the initiative has already generated over PHP3 million in gross sales for farmers, fishermen, and other local producers in the province. Participants in the event include food producers from various towns such as Bauan, Cuenca, Ibaan, Laurel, San Jose, San Juan, San Pascual, Rosario, and the City of Lipa.

A notable feature of the bazaar is the availability of maliputo fish (giant trevally), a sought-after indigenous species found in Taal Lake, offered at reasonable prices. Bautista emphasized the project’s broader objectives, stating that it not only aims to support local producers but also to showcase Batangas’s offerings to tourists. This initiative is seen as a step towards strengthening the provincial economy, fostering innovation in local products, and enhancing the identity of Batangas.