Guv to enhance Sampaguita culture in Pampanga

LUBAO — Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda has vowed to help marginalized farmers in the province by enhancing the sampaguita culture in the towns of Floridablanca, Guagua, and Lubao.

During a consultative Meeting with sampaguita growers held at the Lubao Gym, the governor said that the provincial government in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will assist the sampaguita growers in funding the expenses for planting sampaguita, with the necessary spray and fertilizer in order to generate income from the production of sampaguita flowers in the province.

According to her, Lubao, Guagua and Floridablanca are fortunate that sampaguita grows in the area.

“Masuwerte tayo dahil ang tatlong bayang nabanggit ay tugma ang lupa para mabuhay ang halamang Sampaguita,” Governor Pineda said.

“Sa Laguna, Bulacan at dito sa atin sa Pampanga karaniwang tumutubo ang sampaguita. Dahil isa tayo sa naging mapalad na akma ang ating lupa sa halamangsSampaguita, dapat natin itong paunlarin at pagyamanin,” she added.

Arlene Tolentino, provincial director of DOLE, meanwhile, advised the sampaguita growers to form a group or an association and propose plans or programs to the integrated

livelihood program of the department to help ensure its sustainability in the labour market.

The DTI said it will render trainings through the provincial agriculturist.

Present during the Consultative Meeting were Mayor Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab, DTI Specialist Aileen Ocampo, DOLE officials Alex Insa Cruz and Arlene Tolentino, board members and barangay officials of the three towns.— Aida B. Bungue/ Pampanga PIO