Photo By: Municipality of Morong, Bataan
MORONG, Bataan — Hundreds of farmers, fisherfolk, local officials, and community organizations gathered for the successful opening of the three-day Farmers and Fisherfolk Congress 2026 aimed at recognizing and strengthening the municipality’s agriculture and fisheries sectors.
The event formally opened with a fluvial parade and an “alay lakad” procession toward the Poblacion Covered Court, participated in by representatives from various barangays, municipal government employees, and members of farmers’ and fisherfolk associations.
The congress serves as a venue to provide assistance, promote solidarity, and recognize the important role of farmers and fisherfolk in ensuring food security and sustaining the local economy of Morong.
Mayor Leila G. Linao-Muñoz joined key officials and representatives from partner agencies in delivering messages of support during the opening ceremony. Among them were BFAR Provincial Fisheries Officer Harlyn Porzuelo, Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Agriculture Chairperson Ruben M. Pastelero, ATI RTC 3 representative Jayson Nidua, APCO Bataan representative Julius Refuerzo, MFARMC Chairman Emanuel Ramos, and Acting Municipal Agriculturist Jim Boy M. San Diego.
As part of the program, the Municipal Agriculture Office distributed certificates, palay seeds, vegetable seeds, foliar organic fertilizers, fishing paraphernalia, and insurance assistance to participating farmers and fisherfolk.
A boodle fight was also conducted after the ceremony as a symbol of unity and appreciation for the agricultural and fisheries sectors, with participants sharing meals together at the covered court.
The celebration became more festive in the afternoon through various competitions, including net making and speed coconut peeling and grating contests involving participants from different barangays.
Local officials said the congress reflects the municipality’s continuing commitment to support farmers and fisherfolk whose hard work, dedication, and unity remain vital to the progress and development of Morong.