DA to host 3rd Pili Congress in Albay

DA to host 3rd Pili Congress in Albay

By Irma A. Guhit

Sorsogon City - March 3 : The Department of Agriculture (DA) in collaboration with Hon. Edcel C. Lagman of the 1st District of Albay will hold the 3rd Pili Congress this  March 3-4, 2011 at the Concourse Convention Center,Legaspi City with the theme:Bicol Region Taking the Lead for a Sustainable and Globally Competitive Pili Industry.

Secretary Proceso J. Alcala of the Department of Agriculture  will be the keynote speaker in this  2011 launchpad activity for the Bicol Region's pili industry.

Governor Joey Salceda of the province of Albay will deliver the opening message to welcome the participants comprising of industry and business experts,foreign market representtives.technical experts,capital and investment specialists.

This two-day congress will provide policy directions for the pili industry through the different topics to be discussed that will set the Pili Roadmap for Economic Industry Development for Bicol.It will define the competitive edge of the pili in the global markets and provide directions for a sustainable industry.

One of the highlights of this year's congress is the participation of the Sorsogon Pili Festival Street Dancers - Bukawel Theater Group Performing Arts that will provide  the participants another dimension of Bicol's high value product more on its cultural and tourism aspect.

The Philippine Information Agency- Sorsogon Information Center has been tapped last 2010 to provide the cultural dimension of the pili to provide the congress the aesthethic value of the product as a festival.

Benita Tanyag, coordinator of the event said that this 3rd Pili congress will be very different since the pili as the high value product of the Bicol Region will be more showcased not only in its marketability component but also in its tourism value.

The Sorsogon Pili Festival which used to be the festival of Sorsogon City will be incorporated in the opening ceremony of the congress through the performance of the Pili Festival Dancers -Bukawel Theater Group.

Exhibits of pili products and the diversified use of the pili fruit will also be showcased .

Expected to participate in the said congress are municipal agricultural officers, high value crop council coordinators, pili farmers, pili producers, pili traders and pili processors and to include pili business enthusiasts.

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The Bionet Commerce Philippines Advocacy Inc. is the co-organizer of the event. (PIA-Sorsogon)