The farmers of Panay Norte, Masingal, Ilocos Sur showcased their large and sweet watermelons and honeydews at the inaugural Watermelon and Honeydew Harvest Festival.

Magsingal stands as the largest producer of watermelons in Ilocos Sur, with cultivation spanning approximately 40 hectares of land.

“Dito sa Magsingal [makikita] ang pinakamalawak na area for watermelon and honeydew, kasi malapit [ito] sa dagat at saka maganda yung lupa,” Teresito Batin, Ilocos Sur Organic Trainer and High Value Crops Coordinator, said.

Efren Quisias, a farmer, was pleased with the abundant harvest, despite the challenges posed by the hot weather. He managed to cultivate four varieties of watermelon across his more than two hectares of land.

“Mas maganda yung klima pag-medyo malamig, pero ngayon [mainit] yung temperature natin, so yung bunga hindi masyadong lumaki, katamtaman lang, hindi makaproduce ng malaki talaga,” Quisias said.

The provincial government pledges to assist in marketing efforts to ensure that the produce is sold at a higher value.

“Dalhin niyo sa hub ang mga produkto, [at] may tutulong para mai-market upang mas mabilis ang return of investment,” Governor Jeremias Singson of Ilocos Sur said.

The farmers are hoping to receive support in the form of seedlings and fertilizers to further enhance production.