VILLASIS—The rather lowly talong (eggplant), traditionally considered as a poor-man’s vegetable, has been the boon of this once sleepy town, propelling it from a third class municipality level to second class, and possibly into first class by the next round of classifications.

In the last two years, the town has been logging in an annual income of P70 million, largely generated from its talong produce, which is more than enough to qualify it for another municipal level upgrade.

In celebration of their prized crop, the town’s roads were filled over the weekend with enthusiastic Villasinians, about five thousand of them, as they watched exciting events like street dancing, float parade, eggplant grilling, street party and free concert, and a talong cookfest which were part of the second Talong Festival.

Mayor Nonato Abrenica was elated by the positive response and cooperation of the people during the festival proper, which coincided with the town’s 200th year foundation day.

Abrenica told The PUNCH that while Dagupan City became famous for its delicious bangus (milkfish), this town is fast gaining popularity for its long, smooth and sweet tasting talong.

In fact, they have developed a talong mascot, paraded during the street dancing and float parade that would represent their town’s identity.

The mayor said talong has been playing a key role in the economy of their town, which is known as the Vegetable Bowl and the Pinakbet Capital of Pangasinan.

Abrenica capitalized on this and succeeded in getting attention, especially from investors. Traders also started coming in droves, looking for their eggplants to be marketed outside the province and even as far as Metro Manila.

With the help of media, he said, Villasis became a byword because of talong.

Beginning in 2001, when Abrenica first assumed his post, he and his supportive Sangguniang Bayan members built a new public market, followed by the biggest Bagsakan (Trading) Market in the province, town plaza, installed street lights, bought heavy equipment, patrol car, rehabilitated the auditorium, and the latest, put up a new municipal hall touted as one of the most beautiful in the country.

He said Villasinians who are now residing or working abroad have contributed much to the facelift of their town because they generously extended financial help for their projects.

Next year, Abrenica said they will present again a bigger Talong Festival.

“Salamat sa talong. Kumikita na ang mga magsasaka namin, pati ang income ng munisipyo ay gumaganda at sumisikat pa kami sa buong bansa (Thanks to the eggplant. Our farmers are earning from it, even the town income is making good and we also become popular),” Abrencia said.—EVA

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