Rep. Ann Matibag of San Pedro City, Laguna, leads the planting of Sampaguita together with the School District Office. (Photo from Matibag’s office)
MANILA, Philippines — The city of San Pedro in Laguna boosted its sampaguita planting industry, in a bid to enhance the environment and improve livelihoods.
According to San Pedro Rep. Ann Matibag, the city doubled its sampaguita planting programs, encouraging the public and her fellow lawmakers to support the local Sampaguita industry.
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“With this program, we are not only helping the livelihood of the people of San Pedro, but we are also promoting the great culture of our city,” Matibag said in a statement.
“[The] sampaguita industry is the symbol of our city and we’re proud that it’s blooming again,” she added.
Matibagag is also a member of three House panels — the Committee on Housing and Urban Development, the Committee on Natural Resources, and the Committee on Trade and Industry.
She said she would be collaborating with various groups, including residents, teachers, school personnel, barangay officials, Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers workers, and other stakeholders in planting sampaguita in vacant lots, schools, and various locations across 27 barangays.
The lawmaker said she also entered into a partnership with the city’s school district office, which already started to plant sampaguita in school gardens in 2023.
Meanwhile, with February being Valentine’s month, Matibag urged the public to instead give their loved ones a bouquet of sampaguita instead of roses.
“It’s February, and it’s Valentine’s month, so I encourage everyone to give our loved ones a fresh bouquet of Sampaguita instead of roses,” Matibag said.
“We are optimistic that the Sampaguita industry will continue to bloom nationwide with our project,” she added.
The City of San Pedro in Laguna is known for its sampaguita plants and flowers, with its oil used to make soaps, perfumes, cosmetics, deodorants, silks for clothing, and herbal medicines, among others.