President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the inauguration Friday of the first-ever Narvacan Farmers Market in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, expecting the facility to aid the region’s recovery from the pandemic.
Speaking during the inauguration rites, President Duterte said the Narvacan Farmers Market and Commercial Complex will bring bright hopes and great opportunities to businesses and consumers not only from the municipality of Narvacan, but also from other neighbouring areas.
“The establishment of this commercial facility is a testament to the long and worthwhile journey that your town has collectively endured in surpassing the challenges that you are confronted,” the President said.
“Although these unprecedented times have indeed been difficult, our unwavering commitment and resolve to ensuring the welfare of everyone has opened our eyes to the innovative solutions that match the emergence of the pandemic [COVID-19].”
President Duterte congratulated the local government and its private partners for the completion of the project and commended them for integrating a sustainable energy source for the structure.
The utilization of energy-saving practices in the new infrastructure building will undoubtedly contribute to the country’s sustainability goals, he noted.
According to the President, the charging station for Narvacan’s e-jeepneys within the facility, for instance, will significantly reduce carbon emissions and lessen the reliance on fossil fuels for the municipality.
He expressed hope that other localities will likewise be inspired to incorporate the practice in their respective spaces.
The chief executive believes that those who will use the establishment—especially Ilocano farmers—will undoubtedly “thrive abundantly and propel our recovery towards the new normal”.
At the same time, he recognized the indispensable role of the Filipino farmers in ensuring stable food source, adding their efforts remain an essential component in the country’s food security strategy, especially during times of great need.
Although the project was completed amid the pandemic and while the country reels from the setbacks brought about by the contagion, the President expressed optimism that it will revitalize the local economy by showcasing local products, providing more employment opportunities, and attracting businesses in the region.
Also during his address, President Duterte made an assurance that his administration will work hard to implement programs and projects that will uplift the lives of the people.
“As President, I will continue to fulfill my duties up to the last day of my term so I can leave a timeless legacy of responsive and inclusive governance to our country’s next generation of leaders,” he said.
Situated within a commercial complex, the Narvacan Farmers Market promotes agritourism through hubs and spaces including parks, plazas, and multi-purpose structures that will serve as centers of conferences, financial transactions, and socio-cultural gatherings.
Also present during the event were Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Agriculture Secretary William Dar, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Presidential Adviser for Northern Luzon Raul Lambino, Ilocos Sur Gov. Ryan Luis Singson, Probinsyano Ako Party-list Rep. Jose Singson Jr., and Narvacan Municipal Mayor and League of Municipalities National President Luis “Chavit” Singson. PND
