CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA—President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the awarding ceremony of the outstanding farmers, fisherfolk and coastal communities “Gawad Saka 2017” and “Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan 2017” held at Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace on April 05.
The Gawad Saka is an award given by Department of Agriculture to recognize farmers, fisherfolks, livestock raisers and farmers’ and fisherfolk’ groups who have excelled and made significant contributions in enhancing the development of the agriculture and fishery sector in their respective communities and in the country.
Meanwhile, the Malinis and Masaganang Karagatan (MMK) program by the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources awarding coastal municipalities for their efforts in protecting and conserving marine environments.
MMK four general criteria include: (1) absence of illegal fishing and observance of fishing closed season, (2) establishment of protected marine sanctuary, (3) clean coastal waters without domestic and industrial wastes and, (4) effective mangrove protection and rehabilitation program.
In his message, Duterte recognized the vital role and significant contributions of the awardees towards the advancement of the agriculture and fishery sectors.
“Today, we reiterate [their] importance in [our] collective efforts to build a stronger future for the Philippine agri-fishery sector by paying tribute to the individuals who have made impactful contributions in driving the continued advancement of the industry. This year’s awardees have contributed greatly towards the development of the Philippine agricultural and fisheries industry. Their determination, leadership and willingness to adopt new and appropriate technologies and practices have paved the way for our future progress. It is my hope that the men, women and organizations we honor today will continue to embody the ingenuity, passion and concern for country in all of their undertakings.
The President also encouraged the Department of Agriculture to continue on giving such awards to outstanding farmers and fisherfolk who have showed exemplary performance on their respective fields.
“This ceremony is but a simple token of our appreciation for their valuable work. But it is my hope that the recognition being given to you today would inspire you and your fellow farmers and fisherfolk to continue exploring new ways to further improve the ever-evolving agrarian and fishery sector. May the Department of Agriculture and its partners continue the search for and recognition of the outstanding farmers and fisherfolks.”
Under the Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan (MMK) 2017, Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental was awarded as grand winner; Palompon, Leyte as 1st runner up; and Claveria, Cagayan as 2nd runner up.
Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said that the grand winner will receive P30 million worth livelihood funds; the 1st runner up, P18 million; the 2nd runner up, 10 million. Cortes, Surigao del Sur, the MMK Hall of Fame awardee, will also receive P30 million.
The Gawad Saka winners were: Nemencio J. Concepcion of Barangay Mataas na Parang, San Ildefonso, Bulacan as Outstanding Rice Farmer; Felix G. Ancheta of Barangay Buena Suerte, Cauayan City, Isabela as Outstanding Corn Farmer; Gerardo C. Cordero of Barangay Topland, Koronadal City, South Cotabato as Outstanding Coconut Farmer; Richard B. Biraquit of Barangay Sto. Domingo, Piat, Cagayan as Outstanding Sugarcane Farmer; Edwin B. Mag-isa of Barangay Gabihan, San Ildefonso, Bulacan as Outstanding High Value Crops Farmer; Dewey M. Albufera of Barangay Pinagsabangan I, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro as Outstanding Organic Agriculture Farmer; Perla D. Escaba of Escaba Food Products, Incorporated of Barangay Sta. Ana, San Pablo, Laguna as Outstanding Agricultural Entrepreneur; Wilfredo G. Britanico of Barangay Saranay, Cabatuan, Isabela as Outstanding Small Raiser; Charlemagne P. Acierto of Brgy. Sampalok, Cabatuan, Isabela as Outstanding Large Animal Raiser; Vivian N. Taniza of Barangay Victoria, San Mateo, Isabela as Outstanding Fisherfolk (Aquaculture Fisheries); Richard D. Aquino of Barangay Tortosa, Manapla, Negros Occidental as Outstanding Fisherfolk (Fish Capture); Pamilya nina Ginoo at Ginang Ruben Gerance of Barangay Poblacion, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro as Outstanding Farm/Fisherfolk Family; Gubat St. Anthony Cooperative of Barangay Luna-Candol, Bayan ng Gubat, Sorsogon as Outstanding Small Farmer/Fisherfolk Organization; Sto. Domingo Rural Improvement Club of Barangay Sto. Domingo, Alicia, Isabela as Outstanding Rural Improvement Club; Tuyo Barangay Food Terminal of Barangay Tuyo, Balanga City, Bataan as Outstanding Barangay Food Terminal (LGU managed); Benabaye Primary Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Barangay Benabaye, Merida, Leyte as Outstanding Barangay Food Terminal (non-LGU managed); Canaman Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council of Canaman, Camarines Sur as Outstanding Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council; Misamis Oriental Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Council of Misamis Oriental, Cagayan De Oro as Outstanding Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Council; Gonzaga Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council of Gonzaga, Cagayan as Outstanding Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council; Dr. Berly F. Tatoy of DA Regional Field Office 10 as the Gawad Saka as Outstanding Agricultural Researcher; Joysen A. Bumanglag of Brgy. Naguilian, Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte as Outstanding Young Farmer/Fisherfolk; Tigbao 4H Club of Aroroy, Masbate as Outstanding Young Farmer/Fisherfolk Organization; and Dr. Emma K. Sales of University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, Cotabato as Outstanding Scientist.###
Ozanne Ono Allas