With their exemplary contribution in agricultural sustainability and productivity, the province of Davao Oriental was adjudged as this year’s Regional Gawad Saka over-all champion.
Davao City is this year’s 1st runner-up and Compostela Valley Province is second.
In an awarding ceremony held in Davao City on Thursday, the province bagged six major awards out of the 13 categories.
In the same event, four outstanding rice achievers under the outstanding agricultural extension workers (AEW) category from Davao Oriental were recognized.
Davao Oriental group category winners are as follows: Outstanding Barangay Food Terminal-Non LGU-Tandang Sora Barangay Food Terminal, Outstanding Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council-PAFC Davao Oriental and Outstanding Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council-MAFC Lupon, Davao Oriental.
For individual category winners: Outstanding Rice Farmer-Edna Deypalubos, Outstanding Coconut Farmer-Betty More and Outstanding Fisherfolk (Aquaculture Fisheries)-Conde Mascardo.
Outstanding AEW winners are: Vincent Jun Caminero, Emma Montejo, Visitacion Kuan and Eugene Dujali.
The winners received plaques and cash prizes.
Governor Nelson Dayanghirang lauded the efforts of the farmers and fisherfolks not only in Davao Oriental but around the region who have contributed in securing food for every Filipinos.
“We thank and salute your efforts. You have been very diligent in your agricultural endeavors that is why you are being honored today,” Dayanghirang said.
He added that, “Let me thank DA for continuing to inspire and encourage our partners, fisherfolks and animal growers to persevere in agriculture and make it a highly regarding industry and establish an economic pillar that the country can depend on.”
Director Ricardo Oñate Jr. commended the partnership of DA and other agriculture stakeholders both in the local and private sector.
“This is the right time that we can thank all of you for your support because you have made our work light and bearable. Thank you for trusting the programs of DA,” Oñate said.
He assured the farmers and fisherfolks and stakeholders present in the event that DA will continue to create an atmosphere where their requests and demands will be heard and addressed.
Betty More, one of the awardees thanked the support of the government and encouraged her fellow farmers to strive hard to improve their living conditions.
She also challenged them to improve their produce to compete with the ASEAN market as well as transform them not only as mere producers but to become agri-enterpreneurs.
Gawad Saka is an annual search of DA which has become the highest form of recognition to deserving farmers and fisherfolks in the country who have excelled in the various sectors in agriculture. Che D. Palicte DA-11
