DAVAO ORIENTAL—For their huge contribution in propelling local economy and in achieving food sufficiency in the province, the provincial government, through the Provincial Agriculture Office, conferred awards to this year’s outstanding farmers and fisherfolk.

Thirteen farmers and fisherfolk here have received plaque of recognition as well as cash incentive during the Gawad Saka and Rice Achievers Awarding Ceremony Provincial Level held at the Capitol Covered Court in time for the Farmers and Fisherfolk Month Celebration on May 29, 2019.

Also, five agri-extension workers have also been awarded with a plaque of apreciation.

Elizabeth del Mundo of the Department of Agriculture, who represented Regional Director Ricardo Oñate, lauded the awardees and further referred them as the modern day’s heroes.

“It is but fitting to take notice and recognize our farmers and fisherfolks who constitute almost half of the country’s labor force. So, without a doubt they are whom we consider modern day heroes,” del Mundo said.

Provincial Agriculture Office Department Head Rotchie M. Ravelo, who led the awarding ceremony, said that the farmers and fisherfolks have shown productivity and hard work in the effort to feed the entire population of the province. He said that the province, through the Pagkain at Kita Sustainable Agriculture Village Enterprise or (SAVE), will continue to guide and produce more role model in the exercise of entrepreneurial farming.

“It is our responsibility to produce different agricultural products to support the need of the people of Davao Oriental, even the whole country. We have helped develop the local economy. That is why we must be productive and be compliant with the good agricultural practices because it is our responsibility to provide healthy, affordable and accessible food for every family in the province,” Ravelo told a crowd of 743 farmers and fisherfolks from across the province.

While there have been various programs initiated by the provincial government to help uplift the lives of this sectors, Chief of Staff Ednar Dayanghirang, who represented Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, said that starting July 2019, the farmers and fisherfolks will be involved in formulating the Provincial Development Plan. He said this will help the province address the need of this sectors as available funds will be allocated and spent according to what is really needed in the community.

The outstanding farmers, including farmer’s organizations and technicians, who will vie for the same awards in the regional level, are the following:

1. Rosalinda A. Adalim, Outstanding Rice Farmer
2. SALUFA-Irrigators Association, Outstanding Small Farmers Organization
3. Pedro T. Paja, Outstanding Coconut Farmer
4. Marybeth V. Irigo, Outstanding Fisherfolk (Fish Culture)
5. Leah A. Jeminez, Outstanding Agricultural Scientist
6. Tony Lemnidog, Outstanding Small Animal Raiser
7. Betty M. More, Outstanding Organic Farmer
8. Basilio V. Adlawan, Jr., Outstanding Agri-Entrepreneur
9. Reynaldo Borinaga, Outstanding (Fish Capture)
10. Lorna B. Bahinting, Outstanding Corn Farmer
11. Adonis M. Boholano, Outstanding Young Farmer
12. Mr. and Mrs. Amancio Dimpas, Outstanding Farm Family
13. Pintatagan-RIC, Outstanding Rural Improvement Club

Outstanding Agri Extension Workers:

1. Vincent Jun L. Caminero
2. Wennie T. Cantiga
3. Emma M. Montejo
4. Eugene C. Dujali
5. Jun Jerry T. Ostos

Photos by Rhea Shane M. Laureano