TACLOBAN CITY – The municipality of Matag-ob in Leyte province is working towards becoming the premier fruit basket of Eastern Visayas over the next decade.
Mayor Bernandino Tacoy has announced that the Sangguniang Bayan has passed an ordinance encouraging residents to plant fruit-bearing trees in their backyards, provided that they must not pose any hazards to others. “For Poblacion barangays like Talisay, Riverside, and San Guillermo that have limited spaces to plant, we will be designating a barangay or municipal orchard for them,” he said.
The program includes providing a 10-hectare area designated for an orchard, aimed at promoting tree-planting among the community. To further support sustainability efforts, landowners will be encouraged to cultivate high-value fruit trees.
The said initiative will be facilitated by providing grafted seedlings, such as the EVIARC jackfruit, to those interested in participating. “This will not only improve our fruit production to improve the economic situation of Matag-ob but will also help in our tourism program through our Habhab sa Dalan during the Himorasak Festival,” he noted.
Matag-ob is an agricultural municipality known for its production of rice, coconut, and various high-value vegetables. In addition to its agricultural practices, the municipality promotes environmental sustainability through regular tree-planting activities. As part of their commitment to the environment, couples are required to participate in tree-planting before their wedding. (By Marie Tonette Marticio / EV Mail JAN. 6-12, 2025 issue)