Philippines honors outstanding farmers, fishermen

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo conferred today the Gawad Saka Awards to 25 enterprising farmers and fishermen and six agro-fishery cooperatives that made significant contributions to the government’s goal of a sustained growth for the agriculture sector.

The President awarded the trophies and presidential citations to the winners during the Gawad Saka 2007 awards this afternoon at the Heroes’ Hall of Malacanang.

Assisting the President during the simple awarding ceremonies was Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap.

A yearly undertaking of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Gawad Saka showcases the achievements and success stories of small farmers and fishermen who have boosted their yield or harvest through the use of modern technologies.

In her message earlier sent to the DA, the President lauded the country’s farmers and fishermen who, she said, contributed to the three percent increase in agricultural production in the first half of this year.

“Ang pagkilala sa kanilang mga pagsisikap at sa patuloy na pagsusulong ng pagsasaka at pangingisda ay marapat lamang dahil sila ay nagsisilbing haligi ng ating pambansang ekonomiya at pag-unlad,” the President said.

To spur economic growth in the countryside, the government has been helping raise the profitability of agricultural production particularly for small farmers and fishermen.

This year’s outstanding awardees include rice farmer Joseph Fernando of Cauayan City; corn farmer Demetrio Tabelon (Butuan City); sugarcane farmer Nestor Bautista (Tuao, Cagayan); coconut farmer Ananias Cunado (New Bataan, Compostela Valley); high-value commercial crop farmer Heherson Pagulayan (Ilagan, Isabela);

High-value commercial crop processor J. Emmanuel Pastries (Camarines Sur); Peter Uy of Manjuyod, Negros Oriental (fish culture); Arturo Marcaida Jr. of Cawayan, Masbate (fish capture); outstanding young farmer Glenn Saludar (Sta. Margarita, Samar); outstanding farmer family Arturo Pasacas and Family (Calbayog City); and agricultural scientist Erlinda Rillo of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) in Albay.

The outstanding young farmer/fisherfolk organization award went to the Simbaluca 4-H Club of Sta. Teresita, Cagayan and the Pagaypay 4-H Club of Passi City; while the outstanding small farmer-fisherfolk organization went to the Claveria Farmers’ Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Claveria, Cagayan.

The outstanding rural improvement club (RIC) went to the Mother of Hope RIC of Pangantukan, Bukidnon; while the outstanding municipal/city agricultural fishery council went to the Tuguegarao CAFC.

Winners in the individual achiever’s category each received P100,000 cash and a presidential trophy.

The five outstanding organizations each received P100,000 worth of project grants, a presidential trophy and citation.

The Provincial Agricultural Fishery Council of Bohol and 14 other farmers and fishermen each received special citations and P30,000 cash.