Siegred Jade R. Lastimoso

Xavier University Sustainable Sanitation (XU-SuSan) Center – a research unit of the Jose P Rizal School of Medicine (JPRSM)under the Research and Social Outreach (RSO) Cluster recently concluded Tabuan2 last August 4-8, 2014 at the campus Peace Park.

Tabuan, from the local word tabo which means “market”, exhibits promotion of fruits and vegetables to encourage a healthy lifestyle and to account for authentic products in the locality. This is alsoa culminating activity of Nutrition Month last July 2014 and the second time around within this year.

Partner-farmer beneficiaries from Langaon, Baungon, Bukidnon displayed diverse fruits such as mango, watermelon, mangosteen, lanzones, rambutan, durian, marang, varieties of banana such as latundan, lacatan, and cardava. Vegetables such as cucumber, eggplant, string beans, ferns (pako), and Philippine spinach (alugbati) were also displayed.

Accessories were sold too - bags from PagBAG-o Project of Xavier Ecoville and handicrafts from Dire Husiin Artsville, barangay Puerto, Cagayan de Oro City.

Administrators, faculty and staff, and even students who were the customers of the event, eagerly suggested and recommended to have Tabuan often in the campus. “Every month unta ni siya noh, para di name mu adto sa market gyud” one faculty said.

It is a great opportunity and a gratitude for the SuSan Center and as well as for the farmers to hold an event. Tabuan would be further discussed among the Research and Social Outreach Cluster as to when it shall be taking place again.