ALABEL, Sarangani — Municipal agriculture personnel and local Indigenous farmers harvested two traditional upland rice varieties in Sitio Sulgamao, Barangay Datal Anggas, on Nov. 4, advancing a joint initiative to preserve heirloom crops in Sarangani Province.
Personnel from the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist (OMAG) joined landholders Franci and Lorena Salda to harvest the Lapinig and Mayaman varieties. The agricultural project began on June 4, 2026, when OMAG staff collaborated with local Blaan farmers to plant the native seeds as part of local observances for National Rice Awareness Month in November.
Beyond crop production, the initiative focuses on preserving indigenous farming methods and traditional seed varieties cultivated by Blaan agricultural communities. Local officials emphasized that maintaining native crops protects regional biodiversity and ensures ancestral agricultural knowledge is preserved for future generations.
OMAG head Giselle C. Gestupa said that traditional upland rice varieties, such as Lapinig and Mayaman, are valuable genetic resources that may possess traits well-suited to local growing conditions, including periods of limited water availability.
“We aim to preserve these heirloom varieties, promote climate-resilient agriculture, and create better market opportunities for our Indigenous farmers,” Gestupa said.
To assist local growers, the Local Government Unit of Alabel is integrating the harvest into formal commercial channels. Milled Lapinig and Mayaman rice will be sold at ₱80 per kilogram starting Nov. 26 at the new Kadiwa Store inside the Alabel Mega Public Market, with advance orders currently open to consumers.
Municipal officials stated that the market integration effort aims to increase profits for upland farmers, expand distribution for native agricultural products, and strengthen economic support for the local farming sector.
###
0 Comments