SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — All is set for the opening of the annual Agricultural Trade and Exposition Saturday, February 27, 2010 at the city hall grounds here to usher the week-long celebration of the 160th Foundation Anniversary of the Province of La Union.

La Union, “The Union” or “The Unity” in Spanish, was formed in 1850 when the Spanish colonial government of Governor General Antonio Maria Blanco merged the southern towns of Ilocos Sur province, the northern towns of Pangasinan, and the western towns of Benguet in the east.

Provincial Agriculturist Avelino Lomboy said the exposition will be highlighted by various activities to showcase how La Union was elevated as one of the few developed provinces in the country Saturday.

“In the exposition, the One Town One Product from La Union’s nineteen towns and lone city are displayed aside from the Gawad Saka Search chaired by the provincial agriculture office’s Research and Extension Chief Ms. Imelda Sannadan.

“The search for Gawad Saka awardees will recognize the outstanding agricultural, fishery and livestock achievers who have made their way to success from the time they engaged themselves in local agriculture,” he said.

The winners in the Gawad Saka Search will be selected based on the criteria set by the Department of Agriculture under different categories, namely: (1) outstanding rice farmer; (2) outstanding corn farmer; (3) outstanding high value commercial crops (HVCC) farmer; (4) outstanding young farmer/fisherfolk; (5) outstanding farm family; (6) outstanding small farmer/ fisherfolk association; (7) outstanding rural improvement club; and, (8) outstanding agricultural extension worker.

The winners will receive plaques and cash prizes on March 2, 2010 during the “Aldaw ti Pammadayaw” at the Provincial Capitol.

“The evaluation and on-site visitation for the nominees of the award are still going on,” Lomboy disclosed.

“The exposition, likewise, shall feature the concerted efforts of the Provincial Government of La Union headed by Governor Manuel C. Ortega, duly supported by the province’s local chief executives, in supporting the national leadership’s call on National Food Security even though the Ilocos region was severely damaged by recent typhoons and calamities,” he added.