GenSan News Online Mag

General Santos City’s Yaman GenSan 2009 goes full steam with the conduct this week of the 7th National Vegetable Congress, starting today, July 14 up to the 16th.

Spearheaded by the Central Mindanao Vegetable Industry and Development Council (CEMVIDEC), the congress which happens at the Family Country Hotel and Convention Center has adopted the theme, “Accelerating the Development of the Philippine Vegetable Industry in Response to National and Global Challenges”

This Yaman GenSan 2009 event is co-presented by the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Unit 12 and the local government of General Santos City .

According to the organizers in their email to GenSan News Online Mag, “The congress aims to bring the best minds together to address the issues and concerns affecting the vegetable industry in the country, (and) at the same time, promoting and strengthening producer’s partnerships and establish(ing) direct trade/business linkages with the local and international buyers.” Whew!

The congress Secretariat expects about 500 small farmers, farmer associations, veggie traders, consolidators, concessionaires, national and local government agencies, NGOs, academe and service providers from all over the nation.

The registration fee for the 7th National Vegetable Congress is only P2,500.  This is inclusive of  all the food you can eat for 2 days, a Souvenir Program (presumably with Manny Pacquiao’s photo on it, but Bariles is just guessing here), a CD with the speakers’ presentations, Certificate of Attendance, Congress Kit, Farm Tours and invites to the two Fellowship Nights.

The meat, however of all these, is the Vegetable Derby Tour in Malungon, Sarangai Province where World Boxing Champ Manny Pacquiao shall host a fellowship (which is happening right now as Bariles is writing this).  Attendees may be able to take pix of the celebrity boxer and have their pix taken with him, too.  To top it all, all these will happening during Malungon’s Slang Festival, in celebration of its 40th Foundation Anniversary.

At the plenary venue, an exhibit showcasing modern and hi-tech agri products of over 30 companies will be on display.  This is open to everyone, attendees to the congress or not.

Tonight’s Welcome Dinner will be hosted by the City Government so hopefull, Bariles will see you there.  Look for him near any of the 2 giant tuna which will be sliced for the all-you-can-eat sashimi which will be served.

Happy Yaman GenSan 2009 and welcome to the Tuna Capital everyone!

For more info, please contact the Vegetable Congress Secretariat Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) DA-FRU XII at telefax # (83) 520-0693 or thru the congress point person, Mr. Jovic Santos at 0910-5617122 or 0932-2769520.