BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—Livelihood products of two major organizations here continue to expand in the province, benefiting their members and their families.
Alexander Domingo, provincial agriculturist, said the products of the Rural Improvement Club and the Heart, Head, Hand and Health or 4H clubs here, such as guava jams and jellies and “Santol” or cottonfruit preserves are no longer confined for household consumption, but have expanded into a profitable venture in their communities.
Every year, the provincial government sponsors the Provincial RIC/4H Achievement Day to recognize and honor the existence and positive gains of the sector on rural development.
It featured the various livelihood ventures of the organization from the 15 towns of the province.
Their products range from processed foods, fresh vegetables and fruits, handicrafts and recycled materials for house decors and cultured mushrooms among others were exhibited and displayed at a mini-bazaar around the People’s Stage to showcase their achievements.
“Most of our displayed products now serve as major sources of income of our members and their families are now benefiting from it,” boasted Cristina Sampaga, provincial RIC president.
The provincial government, through the Provincial Agriculture Office supervises and guides the RICs and 4H clubs in the province through its Institutional Development and Farm Home Resource Management and monitors the activities of the organizations.
According to Arcely Palparan, provincial RIC coordinator, nine livelihood projects for the 4H Clubs funded by the Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center in Cagayan Valley are being aggressively and closely monitored at present.
Two 4H Club members in Kayapa town were also selected to undergo Local Home Stay Training and one of them is now vying for 11 months Home Stay training in Japan.
The 4H Club of Magsaysay in Bayombong town was also adjudged as 1st Runner-Up in the recent Regional Search for Gawad Saka for the Most Outstanding Young Farmer/Fisherfolks Organization.
With the launching of the provincial government’s Livelihood and Enterprises Development Program, hopes are high for the RIC and 4H Club members in their search for economic upliftment and progress.
“These organizations are truly sustainable because they are community-based and they become active sectors for rural development,” Palparan said.