Vice President Duterte praises Alaminos City for protecting Hundred Islands National Park
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte graced the opening of the Agri-Trade Expo at the Plaza Marcelo Ochave in Poblacion, Alaminos City, Pangasinan on Sunday, March 19. The event is part of the Hundred Islands Festival which is set to run until March 28, 2023.
The district-wide agri-trade expo carries the theme “Masaganang Agrikultura at Nagkakaisang Kooperatiba Tungo sa Komunidad na Maginhawa.” During the opening ceremony, Vice President Duterte commended the city of Alaminos and its residents for their continuous efforts to protect the Hundred Islands National Park.
In her message, she acknowledged the significant contribution of the Hundred Islands National Park to the livelihood of the people and the economy of Alaminos as a popular tourist destination. The Vice President also assured the residents that the Office of the Vice President is always ready to help them with entrepreneurship projects such as Magnegosyo Ta ‘Day (MTD), which aims to address unemployment and increase the income of people in communities with high poverty incidence.
The Hundred Islands Festival, which had been held virtually and in a hybrid format for the past two years due to the pandemic, has returned to a full face-to-face celebration this year. The event is a celebration of the unique culture and natural beauty of Pangasinan and its people.
The Agri-Trade Expo, which is one of the festival’s highlights, showcases local produce, including fruits, vegetables, and seafood. The expo also features agricultural products such as equipment, fertilizers, and seeds, as well as cooperatives and other businesses.
The Hundred Islands Festival is expected to draw thousands of tourists to Alaminos City and the surrounding areas. It is a significant boost to the local economy, especially for those in the tourism and agriculture sectors. With the theme of “Masaganang Agrikultura at Nagkakaisang Kooperatiba Tungo sa Komunidad na Maginhawa,” the festival aims to promote sustainable and inclusive growth, highlighting the importance of cooperation and community development.
As the opening ceremony drew to a close, Vice President Duterte thanked the organizers and the people of Alaminos for the warm welcome and the opportunity to be part of the celebration. She emphasized the importance of preserving the natural beauty of Pangasinan and working together towards a sustainable future for the province.