The Department of Agriculture celebrates its 122nd anniversary from its birth in June 1898, leading the government in its mandate to secure food production in the country. This has been a challenging year for the Department but the service continues, celebrating with the theme “Agrikultura ang Pag-asa sa Kabila ng Pandemya”.

On the occasion of DA’s anniversary, Caraga region’s agriculture extension workers, local farmer technicians, farming family, and local government units were recognized through the Regional Rice Achievers Awards and Regional Organic Agriculture Achievers Awards.

The said awards are given to individuals and LGU’s who have significant contributions to the development of the rice and organic agriculture industry in the region.

The Awardees.  On the occasion of the Department of Agriculture’s 122nd anniversary, Caraga region’s agriculture extension workers, local farmer technicians, farming family, and local government units were recognized through the Regional Rice Achievers Awards and Regional Organic Agriculture Achievers Awards. The said awards are given to individuals and LGU’s who have significant contributions to the development of the rice and organic agriculture industry in the region.

DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo together with OIC-RTD for Operations Rebecca R. Atega lead the celebration and the giving of recognition of the achievers.

In his message, Director Monteagudo expressed his gratitude to the partnership and dedication of the winners in reaching the twin goals of increasing productivity and making farmers and fishers prosperous in their endeavors.

City Councilor, Chairman on Committee in Agriculture Hon. Joseph Omar Andaya also graced the said event together with City Agriculturist Pierre Anthony Joven as they received the award of LGU-Butuan as the Outstanding Local Government Unit through the Regional Rice Achievers Award.

Butuan City recorded an average yield of 4.17 metric tons per hectare in 2018 and 4.20 metric tons per hectare in 2019 resulting to yield growth of 0.72%. The production performance is attributed to the shared efforts of the national and local governments in implementing the program for the rice sector.

On the other hand, twelve agriculture extension workers (AEW’s) were also recognized. Five of them were from Butuan City – Agnes Alcazar, Gretel Paracueles, Joan Dela Torre, Mark Gil Baynosa, and Thelma Burgos.

For the municipality of RTR, Agusan del Norte – Jose Karl Ouano and Cherrie Mae Berganio. Four AEW’s also from San Agustin, Surigao del Sur – ChonaRavelo, Marilyn Morgado, Alvih Ann Barrientos, and Anne Margarette Olaivar received the award. To complete the list Rommel Eric Ebuña from Tago, Surigao del Sur was also recognized.

ElenitaLimpag from Bayugan, Agusan del Sur was identified as an outstanding Local Farmer Technician. Each awardee received ₱20,000 cash award and a plaque of recognition.

Meanwhile, five categories under the Regional Organic Agriculture Achievers Awards (ROAAA) bagged by the Province of Dinagat Islands (PDI).

Named as ROAAA’s Outstanding province they received ₱500,000 agri-related projects and a plaque of recognition. PDI has been a strong partner of the Department in the implementation of organic agriculture programs. The implementation of Integrated Diversified Organic Farming System Farms in various sites in the province offered a show window to individuals to embrace organic agriculture practices.

The increasing number of organic practitioners in the municipality of Libjo help them to be recognized as Outstanding Municipality organic implementers. They also received ₱300,000 agri-related project.

Also, Rico Galinato was named as the Outstanding Provincial OA Focal Person, he received ₱25,000 cash award. Ronald Casido received the Outstanding Municipal OA Focal Person he received ₱20,000 cash award. Outstanding Farming Family was given to Mr. & Mrs. Cerilo Julio they also received ₱50,000.

The said awards are part of DA’s efforts to encourage commitment and ensure excellent performance of the agriculture advocates and LGU stakeholders of their respective functions and responsibilities. (Rhea Abao/DA13-RAFIS)