Jackfruit eyed to boost Lanao Norte town’s tourism

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Tourism in Northern Mindanao (DOT-10) said it will promote jackfruit as a major town tourism product for Maigo in Lanao del Norte province.

DOT-10 officer John Baclig said the Department of Trade and Industry has already identified the tropical fruit as Maigo’s preferred “One Town One Product” or OTOP enterprise for 12 years now.

OTOP is a promotional program of the government that aims to promote goods and products of towns, cities, and regions, and provides funding for small businesses.

Jackfruit, also known as nangka and langka, has been identified with Maigo town for so long already that the municipality even celebrates its own “Nangka Festival” every February.

Maigo Municipal Tourism Officer Flora Isla said the town produces an average of a thousand kilos every month, making the municipality the largest producer in Lanao del Norte.

Flora attributed the popularity of jackfruit in the town to the farmers from its 13 barangays. Mayor Rafael Rizalda said the local government provides support programs for jackfruit farmers and encourages them to engage in farm tourism. “The local government provides jackfruit seedling to farmers for free upon submission of their proposal and livelihood feasibility,” Rizalda said. Aside from jackfruit, Maigo is also known for its fine beaches, being a coastal town. (Ercel Maandig)

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