NAGA CITY – The Department of Agriculture (DA) 5 (Bicol) honored the recipients of the Gawad Saka and Rural Women Achievers 2018 awards here on Wednesday afternoon.
The ceremony — held at the Convention Center of Avenue Plaza Hotel — is an annual activity that recognizes the efforts of groups and individuals in agricultural development, food security, and sustainability in the region.
Undersecretary for High-Value Crops and Rural Credit Evelyn G. Laviña, who also chairs the DA Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System, said the region is doing well in terms of agriculture.
In fact, she noted that many local farmers are reaping awards at the national level in the field of agriculture.
“Our goal is to continue the programs and projects that will develop the agricultural products of the Bicol region, such as the pili and the sili,” Laviña said.
She also expressed her gratitude to the local officials who attended the event for their unceasing support for the DA’s programs.
“Our common goal is healthy food for the future,” she added.
The Rural Women Achievers 2018 were Josephine G. Artiaga of Lupi, Camarines Sur – Regional Winner; Maricel G. Base of Polangui, Albay – 1st Runner-up; Fe B. Carranza of Panicuason, Naga City – 2nd Runner-up; and Remedios P. Ardenete of Irosin, Sorsogon – 3rd Runner-up.
The Gawad Saka Achievers, on the other hand, were Genaro A. Tamon of Magarao, Camarines Sur – Outstanding Rice Farmer; Angelita A. Cerillo of Tigaon, Camarines Sur – Outstanding Corn Farmer; Pepito M. Amaranto of Daraga, Albay – Outstanding High-Value Crop Farmer; Elmer S. Salazar of Tigaon, Camarines Sur – Outstanding Organic Agriculture Farmer; Josephine G. Artiaga of Lupi, Camarines Sur – Outstanding Small Animal Raiser;
Napo Rural Improvement Club (RIC) of Polangui, Albay – Outstanding RIC; Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council (MAFC) of Malilipot, Albay – Outstanding MAFC; Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC) of Daet, Camarines Norte – Outstanding PAFC; and Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC) of Tiwi, Albay – Outstanding MFARMC.
Meanwhile, products of local farmers, such as food items, handicrafts, and accessories, were also showcased in an exhibit. (Melissa Basmayor/PNA)
