The Department of Agriculture recognizes the contribution of its stakeholders in the production of rice in the countryside.
Eleven Agricultural Extension Workers (AEW), 2 Local Farmer Technicians (LFT), 1 Small Water Irrigation System Association (SWISA), and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur is given recognition as the national awardees for the 2015 Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards (APRAA) representing Caraga region in which awarding was held today, April 20, 2016 at the Resorts World Manila.
APRAA is an annual recognition for the top performing key players in the rice industry. Its goal is to recognize and motivate AEWs, LFTs, SWISAs and LGUs to act as partners for the development of the agriculture sector.
Out of the 399 outstanding AEWs there are 11 AEW national awardees from the region. These include: Maria Theresa O. Bagunoc and Cherrie Mae L. Berganio from RTR, Agusan del Norte; Editha G. Osin, Patricinio G. Moran Jr., Marion G. Martin III, Bohmind C. Nonan and Lindamar I. Nonan from Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur; Concepcion P. Sumaoy, Basilisa C. Huera and Gertrulyn T. Natonton from Buenavista, Agusan del Norte; and Victoria I. Roda from Jabonga, Agusan del Norte.
Meanwhile, out of the 83 outstanding LFTs in the whole country, 2 LFTs comes from Caraga in the person of Crescencia V. Virgen from Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte and Elizabeth I. Uy from Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.
On the other hand, Siana Irrigators Association from Mainit, Surigao del Norte is chosen as the outstanding SWISA for Mindanao cluster.
Out of the 16 municipal national awardees, the municipality of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur is again included in the list as one of the outstanding LGU (municipality category) for bringing significant contribution in meeting the rice production targets under the Food Staples Sufficiency Program.
Aside from honor and recognition, each AEW and LFT receives ₱20,000 cash award while the outstanding municipality receives ₱1-million worth of projects which will further boost the rice industry in their locality. The outstanding SWISA will also receive ₱ 500,000 worth of project grant.
“Despite of the weak El Niño, we were still grateful for a favorable harvest. The national awardees were our allies in implementing the needed support in combating climate change. With this, we congratulate the outstanding LGU, AEWs, LFTs, and SWISA for their commitment in doing their respective functions and responsibilities for the development of the agriculture sector”, Mabeza said.
Selection of awardees is based on the criteria set by the National Technical Working Group. The criteria includes: production data in 2014 versus 2015; yield increment and production; trainings conducted and attended; internal revenue allotment allotted to the agriculture program; allocation of personnel to the rice program; use of quality seeds; road map; number of farmers and clusters assisted and submission of reports. (Rhea C. Abao – DA13 Information Section)
