A measure which seeks to declare Ilocos Norte as the “Garlic Capital of the Philippines” has been approved by the House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture and Food.
House Bill (HB) 4337, otherwise known as An Act Declaring The Province Of Ilocos Norte As The Garlic Capital Of The Philippines, was authored by Ilocos Norte 2nd district Rep. Angelo Barba.
Barba’s measure was approved during the Tuesday, Oct. 25, panel hearing of the House panel chaired by Quezon 1st district Rep. Mark Enverga.
“The Ilocos Region is considered the major producer of garlic in the Philippines, accounting for 65 percent of the country’s average total production of 14,695.29 metric tons. The Province of Ilocos Norte has maintained its rank as the top producing province in the country contributing 55.7 percent or 4,161 metric tons to the national aggregates,” Barba wrote in his bill’s explanatory note.
“Thus, in recognition of its status as the biggest producer of garlic in the country, this bill seeks to declare Ilocos Norte as the ‘Garlic Capital of the Philippines.’ Such declaration will serve as an inspiration to boost garlic production in the country and ensure competitiveness in both domestic and foreign markets,” the measure read.
Ilocos Norte is the home province of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.