LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Strawberry Festival 2025 highlighted La Trinidad’s farmers, emphasizing the importance of agriculture to the community’s identity and success which was showcased during the festival’s main program and civic parade on March 18 at the municipal grounds.
In his speech, guest speaker from the Department of Agriculture, Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr., represented by Dr. Arlene M. Sagayo, DA-CAR Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, stated that strawberry is more than just a fruit.
“It underscores the love and care that the people of La Trinidad put into their work,” Laurel said, stressing that “every farmer, crop, and effort is equally valuable.”
Over the past year, the Department of Agriculture has provided support to 12,928 male farmers and 13,873 women farmers in La Trinidad, delivering essential agricultural materials and tools.
This year’s efforts include the distribution of nurseries, moisture meters, and post-harvest equipment to over 1,400 farmers.
Additionally, the Bureau of Plant Industry provided support for strawberry farming, increasing the allocation of strawberry runners from 4,500 last year to 8,500 this year.
Laurel concluded by expressing gratitude to the farmers, local government, and all agricultural partners, reaffirming that La Trinidad will continue to lead in agricultural excellence with the ongoing support of the Department of Agriculture and other stakeholders.
“We are very happy that we still have strawberry farmers,” said La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda.
He further stated that aside from the La Trinidad Trading that boosts the economy, they also have the strawberry farmers and the cut flowers of the municipality.
Meanwhile, Benguet Congressman Eric Yap expressed his gratitude to the local farmers.
“I want to congratulate all our farmers kasi may mga bagong technology na sa pagtatanim ng strawberry and yung mga iba nag-aadapt na don (I want to congratulate all our farmers because there are new technologies to help in planting strawberries and they are adapting,” expressed Yap in his speech and also said that they are open to acquire other strawberry varieties from other countries to add to the existing types that the farmers currently have.
Benguet Governor Hon. Melchor Diclas also congratulated La Trinidad and the farmers for the Strawberry Festival 2025, also recognizing La Trinidad’s achievement in holding the Guinness World Record for the largest strawberry shortcake.
He continued to thank the municipality and its officials for their efforts in developing La Trinidad.
Additionally, according to Vice Governor Ericson Felipe, represented by Ariel Layugan, La Trinidad has been awarded several times in terms of tourism thanks to the said festival. By Blessah Joy Manuel
