Oishi tells Boholanos: Got potatoes? We'll buy

THE chair and vice chair of the manufacturers of the Oishi line of products Monday night urged the Boholanos to plant potatoes because they are willing to buy whatever they can produce. Gov. Erico Aumentado called an urgent meeting with mayors whose towns have barangays in elevated areas. Cool climate is conducive to the growth of potatoes, it was learned.

Present at the meeting at the Fisherman's Wharf of the Bohol Tropics Resort Club were Mayors Exuperio Lloren of Jagna, Myrna Schreurs of Garcia-Hernandez, Henrietta Lim-Gan of Valencia , Sergio Amora Jr. of Candijay, Fanuel Cadeliña of Bilar, Wilson Pajo of Pilar and Simplicio Maestrado Jr. of Sierra-Bullones. Mayor Manuel Tan of Duero sent a representative.

Carlos Chan and his son Carlson, chair and vice chair respectively of the Liwayway (International) Co., Ltd., manufacturers, among others, of the Oishi line of products, gave the mayors a bird's eye view of their requirements. The younger Chan said they would need potatoes that are bigger than gold balls but smaller than baseballs for their potato chips. Bigger varieties would be good for French fries in taste and shape but not for chips. For those interested, the Chans said they will send in personnel for technical support.

The potatoes have augmented the income of farmers in Baguio and Davao . The problem is many viruses that attack the potato thrive in Baguio . Bukidnon, on the other hand, has poor farm to market roads so that the harvest gets bruised and does not pass quality standards anymore.

For more discussion, Aumentado invited both Chans to the Bohol Day celebration on July 22, to be graced by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. In the afternoon will be the Bohol Investment Forum wherein Aumentado will play matchmaker to property owners and investors for possible long term lease or partnerships.

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