Rural communities in this northern agricultural city are crafting a sustainable road map for the “Dap-ayan,\u201d transforming these traditional farmer sheds into a new frontier for eco-tourism.<\/p>\n
Annual searches for the Best Dap-ayan ni Mannalon and Arc have evolved significantly since their pandemic-era launch as village leaders take charge of improving these airy, indigenous structures.<\/p>\n
City agriculturist Mark Allan Abad told the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday that the project empowers residents to showcase their cultural pride alongside their primary sources of living.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt first, they were hesitant, but it turned out the competition fostered greater collaboration and strengthened bonds among them,\u201d Abad said while describing the project\u2019s social impact.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s competition mandates a shift toward modernity by requiring the use of bamboo as a primary material and the integration of solar power for renewable energy.<\/p>\n
Bamboo cultivation is currently being expanded under the government\u2019s Sustainable Agroforestry Farm Enterprise-Business Model to enhance livelihood opportunities and climate resiliency.<\/p>\n
Mayor Mark Christian Chua lauded the community for their unique display of craftsmanship and cultural heritage while personally monitoring entries across various rural villages.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want this to be sustainable, so we have been giving them cash assistance to improve their Dap-ayan,\u201d Chua said as he noted the spaces now serve as relaxing study areas.<\/p>\n
Each Dap-ayan also functions as an exhibit hall for community achievements and a marketplace for fresh produce, strategically located near local “Gulayan sa Barangay” garden plots.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are glad to have a Dap-ayan where we can sell our produce every day,\u201d said Ferdinand Quimoyog, a village councilor from Barangay Camguidan, the city\u2019s winged bean capital.<\/p>\n
Cyclists will soon promote these winning entries during the Padyak Dap-ayan Challenge scheduled for May 2.<\/p>\n
Participants can choose between a “hard” category covering the top 15 entries or an “easy” category featuring a scenic ride through the top seven structures.<\/p>\n
These initiatives anchor the 17th Farmers\u2019 Festival, a three-day tribute to the agricultural workers who drive 80 percent of the city\u2019s local economy.<\/p>\n
Batac officials will announce the grand winners of the Dap-ayan search during the festival’s culmination program. (PNA)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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