ASU President Guest at Sebaste Agro-Industrial Fair
BY ANNA MAE C RELINGO/MS ACORITAY

SEBASTE, Antique- Dr. Benny A. Palma, President of The Aklan State University, graced the Agro-Industrial Fair as Guest Speaker on January 29, 2007 during the opening program at the Municipal Ground of Sebaste, Antique.
The activity showcased the various agricultural products of the municipality through an array of booths and cutflower display center.

In the message of Municipal Mayor Jose Christopher A. Varona, he stated that nito is the focus commodity of the One Town One Product (OTOP) program of Sebaste since the local government has recognized the competitive advantage of nito products.

Their guest speaker, Dr. Benny A. Palma, expounded the importance of nito and the University’s research and development initiatives on biotechnology. He also stated the feasibility of High Value Vegetable Production, elaborating its advantages like higher market value and easier management.

Dr. Palma also encouraged the people to venture on native (darag) chicken as another source of income. Having concern for the welfare of the people, Dr. Palma assured the people of Sebaste of the technical assistance from ASU.

In the same event, the ASU Director for Extension and Community Services, Dr. Anna Mae C. Relingo, cited in her talk some of the stirring accounts of success achieved by the ASU assisted projects in Sebaste such as the improvement of their farming system, food processing and preservation.

These are through the coordination of the Municipal Agricultural Office headed by Judith B. Unilongo, who is an alumnus of ASU.

After the declaration of the official opening of the Agro-Industrial Fair, the guests viewed the products displayed in the booths of all ten barangays of Sebaste.