Senator Villar and Gov. Petilla grace VSU Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Day

Senator Cynthia A. Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food as well as the Senate Committee on Government Corporations and Public Enterprises, unexpectedly was not able to come to the Visayas State University as guest speaker on the occasion of the “Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Day” celebration as one of the major highlights of the 91^st VSU Founding Anniversary.  As relayed by Atty. Reggie Tamaña, Executive Director for the Committee on Agriculture and Food of Senator Villar, the senator was on her way to VSU in the morning of August 11, 2015 riding in a helicopter from Cebu City when the aircraft had a trouble. The pilot decided not to continue their flight for the security of the senator. 

Nevertheless, Sen. Villar conveyed her message to the farmers and fisherfolk who were present at the jampacked VSU Convention Hall that morning while the program was going on.  Because of the advancement of technology, she was able to greet the VSU constituents, the farmers and fisherfolk over a cellphone call that was hooked-up live from Cebu City.

In her message, Sen. Villar lauded VSU for the very special day devoted by the University for the farmers and fisherfolk.  “Hindi ako nakarating dahil nagkaproblema po ang aking sasakyan, but ako po ay nagagalak at laging sumusuporta sa Visayas State University dahil ito po ay isang unibersidad na talagang tumutulong para sa agrikultura na napakaimportante para sa ating mga farmers and fisherfolk.  Sana mag-enjoy kayo sa inyong mga activities today.  Again, happy 91^st Founding Anniversary to VSU,” she said.

On the other hand, Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla of the Province of Leyte, who also delivered a message in the said occasion, thanked VSU for spearheading the gathering of farmers in the region during its foundation day celebration.  He could not help but recall that the farmers’ lives were abundant before the Typhoon Yolanda came to the province.  “Aside from the lives that were lost, the agricultural production was also affected that made our farmers miserable and look for some ways by which they can find other means of livelihood,” the Leyte Governor lamented.  “But now, the production of our farmers in their agriculture endeavor has been doubled because of the help of our government, the universities, and the nongovernment organizations,” Petilla added.

In the same occasion, the “Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Forum” took place to give way to the farmers and fisherfolk to air their concerns and listen to the responses from the experts of the University.  JFMBaldos