Agriculture Secretary William Dar, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, and top officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA) formally recognized 20 outstanding farmers, fisherfolk, and agricultural institutions during the 48th Gawad Saka Awarding Ceremony on October 22, 2019.
“Kayo ay patunay at bahagi ng pag-unlad ng pambansang agrikultura. Kaya’t ang tatanggapin ninyong parangal ay hindi lamang tanda ng aming pasasalamat. Ito ay pagkilala sa inyong sipag, husay, at mga sakripisyo,” Secretary Dar underscored in his message.
He added that the outstanding farmers and fisherfolk have been open to modern and relevant technologies and information that contribute to the development of the Philippine agriculture and fisheries and to the growth of the economy.
“Farming is a profession that has played a key role in the development of human civilization and serves as a necessary foundation for the advancement of a modern economy,” Dar said.
Representing President Rodrigo Duterte, Secretary Andanar recognized the important role of farmers and fisherfolk and stressed that they should always be recognized and honored.
Andanar said, “Kayo ang mga ugat ng ating kabuhayan, kaunlaran, at kadakilaan.”
During the event, Dar renewed the commitment of the DA to champion the causes and advance the welfare of the stakeholders of the agriculture and fisheries sector.
He also directed the Gawad Saka coordinating committee to broaden the awards criteria to not only include those involved in the production but also those who embrace the inclusive agribusiness approach anchored on the value chain system.
The following outstanding individuals and institutions in the agriculture and fisheries sector were awarded with trophies, certificates of recognition, and cash prizes during the ceremony:
CROPS SECTOR
Natatanging Magsasaka ng Palay:
Mr. Honorio D. Clemencia (Balong, Tabuk City, Kalinga, Cordillera Administrative Region)
Natatanging Magsasaka ng Mais:
Ms. Angelita A. Cerillo (Libod, Tigaon, Camarines Sur, Region V)
Natatanging Magsasaka ng Niyog:
Mr. Narciso A. Moresca (Barobo, Surigao Del Sur, Region XIII)
Natatanging Magsasaka ng High Value Crops:
Mr. Daniel F. Apostol (Concepcion, Koronadal City, Region XII)
Natatanging Magsasaka sa Organikong Pagsasaka:
Mr. Ernesto B. Pantua, Jr. (Tupi, South Cotabato, Region XII)
Natatanging Agri-Entrepreneur:
Ms. Irenea R. Hitgano of JANICAHH Food Products (Pulang-lupa, Trento, Agusan Del Sur, Region XIII)
FISHERIES SECTOR
Natatanging Mangingisda (Capture Fisheries):
Ms. Nelly P. Wenceslao (Bagumbayan, Lupon, Davao Oriental, Region XI)
Natatanging Mangingisda (Aquaculture Fisheries):
Mr. Vicente B. Lugagay (Rizal, Santiago City, Isabela, Region II)
LIVESTOCK SECTOR
Natatanging Small Animal Raiser:
Mr. Marvin P. Jinayon (Trento, Agusan Del Sur, Region XIII)
Natatanging Large Animal Raiser:
Mr. Loreto A. Basit (Concepcion Palasan, Sariaya, Quezon, Region IV-A)
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCHER
Ms. Irene M. Adion (Department of Agriculture Region III)
INSTITUTIONS SECTOR
Natatanging Kabataang Magsasaka at Mangingisda:
Mr. Christian B. Naman (Lumbo, Valencia City, Bukidnon, Region X)
Natatanging Samahan ng mga Kabataang Magsasaka at Mangingisda:
Tyaga 4-H Club (Annabuculan, Amulong, Cagayan, Region II)
Natatanging Pamilyang Magsasaka:
Pamilya nina Ginoo at Ginang Epegemio L. Ympal (Candura, San Juan, Siquijor, Region VII)
Natatanging Samahan ng Magsasaka at Mangingisda:
Saint Joseph Parish Multi-purpose Cooperative (Belance, Dupax Del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya, Region II)
Natatanging Rural Improvement Club:
Bantay Rural Improvement Club (Tabuk City, Kalinga, Cordillera Administrative Region)
Natatanging Barangay Food Terminal (non-LGU):
Balaong Vegetable Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative (Balaon, San Miguel, Bulacan, Region III)
Natatanging Panlungsod Sanggunian ng Pagsasaka at Pangingisda:
Davao City Highly Urbanized City Agricultural and Fishery Council (Davao City, Davao Del Sur, Region XI)
Natatanging Pambayang Sanggunian ng Pagsasaka at Pangingisda:
MAFC Tampakan (Tampakan, South Cotabato, Region XII)
Natatanging City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council:
Panabo City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (Davao Del Norte, Region XI)
