Tablas Island Odiongan Agri Fair

Agri Fair Odiongan Fiesta

Once a year during Fiesta in Odiongan, a mammoth effort results in a week long Agricultural Fair.  Our Fair day began in the truck travelling through the Barangay Linawan  to pick up fresh produce and handcrafts.  Farmers were at the roadside with melons, bananas, cassava, bodi beans, even some freshly dug clams and squirming crab.  By the time we were through the Barangay, you could not see out the back of the truck!

We arrive at the Fair but before we enter, we study the ice cream man offering ice cream in a bun or on a cone.  His little bell on his bicycle alerts all ice cream fans of his approach.  Her choice was  ice cream in a bun.

Dario proceeds to throw the coconuts over the fence for the booth set up.  When you consider how far a coconut has to fall from the tree, it is not an insult to throw it over the fence.

The Agro Fair is a great place to learn what is being produced, processed, handcrafted, grown, researched or manufactured in the area.  We set out to adventure.  Dario and agricultural employees are setting up the booth from San Andres.  Displays are beautiful!  It`s early morning and produce is fresh. 

We are looking at agricultural products grown or made in San Andres or on Tablas Island.  To our surprise, there are many.  We are really impressed by the research and assistance provided to develop, produce and label products by the Romblon Provincial Science and Technology Centre. 

Our favorite drink was an almost thawed Buk Juice.  Freshly grated coconut juice with the soft coconut strands in the drink.  How refreshing.  Lydia has to confess to having two!

There was a demonstration of basket weaving, a donut maker making donuts, and all manner of produce, salt fish, dried fish, live hens, duck eggs, ostrich eggs for the equilivant of $12 Canadian each.

Dept of Agriculture was displaying the equipment needed to make Briquettes.  This excellent project uses rice hulls, coconut shells and husks, mill waste: otherwise wasted materials to make Briquettes.

What a great way to learn about all aspects of Agriculture on Tablas!

Allan and Lydia Sorflaten