Tucked in the verdant province of Isabela is the charming municipality of San Mateo, the undisputed “Munggo Capital of the Philippines”. This town has gained recognition for its production of high-quality mung beans, locally known as “munggo”. Known for their versatility in the Filipino cuisine and significant health benefits, these humble legumes have put San Mateo on the national map.
Agricultural Landscape and Production
San Mateo’s fertile plains, irrigated by the mighty Cagayan River, serve as a favorable environment for the growth of mung beans. The warm, tropical climate of the region ensures a year-round harvest, contributing to the municipality’s massive production. The town’s dedication to farming is evident in its stunning landscape – a picturesque vista of green fields that stretch far and wide.
As the primary mung bean producing town in Isabela, San Mateo plays a significant role in the agricultural industry of the Philippines. Its farmers supply a considerable portion of the country’s mung bean demand. In fact, the town produces an estimated 4,665 metric tons of mung beans annually, as per the Municipal Agriculture Office.
Munggo Festival
Every year, San Mateo proudly showcases its agricultural prowess through the vibrant “Munggo Festival”. The festival is a visual spectacle marked by grand parades, street dances, and lively performances. Dancers, adorned in creative mung bean-inspired costumes, groove to local folk music, their performances echoing the rhythm of the farming life.
The festival also hosts a cooking competition where locals exhibit the culinary versatility of mung beans. From the traditional “ginisang munggo” to more innovative dishes, the event is a gastronomic delight that pays tribute to the beloved legume.
Mung Bean Value Chain
San Mateo’s mung bean industry extends beyond the farm. The town is actively involved in the entire value chain of mung beans – from farming, post-harvest processing, to marketing. San Mateo has a mung bean trading post and a processing center where the harvested beans are sorted, cleaned, and packaged. These facilities play a crucial role in ensuring that the best quality mung beans reach consumers across the country.
Economic Impact and Future Prospects
The mung bean industry has significantly boosted the local economy of San Mateo. It has provided livelihood opportunities for many residents and has contributed to the town’s development. The local government, recognizing the industry’s potential, has been continuously implementing programs to support the farmers and enhance mung bean production.
Moving forward, San Mateo aims to maintain its title as the Munggo Capital of the Philippines. There are plans to improve farming practices, invest in better post-harvest facilities, and promote the value-added processing of mung beans.
Conclusion
San Mateo, Isabela, with its vibrant mung bean fields and industrious farmers, truly embodies the spirit of Philippine agriculture. As the Munggo Capital of the Philippines, the town stands as a testament to the enduring importance of farming to the country’s economy and culture. It invites us to celebrate the humble mung bean, a small legume that has made a big impact on a town, a province, and a nation.
San Mateo Isabela is a province in the Cagayan Valley, where we took a 360-degree photo to fully see its beauty. On December 31, 2022, an aerial photograph was taken.
Now you can see and point top view where you are in San Mateo, just screenshot it and share it with your friend.
