The Department of Agriculture – Caraga annually honors individual farmers, organizations, and local government units exemplary contributions to the development of the agriculture and fishery sector.

In the recently conducted 1st Caraga Rice Congress last November 14 at Butuan City outstanding agriculture extension workers, local government units, small- farmers, and farmer organizations were given recognition through the Regional Rice Achievers Awards (RRAA) and 2019 Regional Gawad Saka Search.

The RRAA winners were named by categories, such as the outstanding city local government units, agriculture extension workers, and local farmer technicians.

Awarded by DA Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo, the Local Government Unit of Butuan City leads the roster of winners and received a plaque of recognition and ₱1 Million worth of agri-related projects.

Monteagudo expressed hope that the awardees will continue to excel in their chosen field and be partners in developing the local agriculture and fishery industry, and in the process, help to achieve DA’s twin goal Masaganang Ani, Mataas na Kita. 

On the other hand, twelve agriculture extension workers (AEW) in the region were also recognized Segundina O. Ayag, Nestor J. Fuentes, Gretel P. Paracuelles, Joan B. Dela Torre, Merilyn M. Laurenciana from Butuan City. With them, Cherrie Mae L. Berganio, and Jose Karl G. Ouano both from RTR, Agusan del Norte.

Four AEW’s from the municipality of Trento, Agusan del Sur also received the recognition Jenebelle B. Sasi, Aimee A. Campanilla, Alfred A. Gimang, and Rolamae G. Danlag. Carmel Lynn V. Deguito from Tandag City was also named as outstanding AEW.

Connie A. Erigan, a farmer from Butuan City named Outstanding Local Farmer Technician.

Meanwhile, 2019 Regional Gawad Saka Awardees also received their recognition during the event.

Five farmer individuals were named for their exemplary work: Junie E. Awa, an outstanding young farmer from Buenavista, Agusan del Norte;  Raul P. Basmayor, outstanding integrated rice farmer of Brgy. Mabini, Mainit, Surigao del Norte;  Renato Frias, an outstanding corn farmer from Trento, Agusan del Sur; Perlito B. Montañez outstanding small animal raiser of Brgy. Adlay, Carrascal, Surigao del Sur; and Analyn Dulpina, an outstanding vegetable farmer from Brgy. Matinao, Burgos, Surigao del Norte.

Outstanding Rural Improvement Club was awarded to Catmonon Rural Improvement Club of Brgy. Catmonon, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. Outstanding Small Farmer Organization was given to Sto. Niño Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Bry. Sto. Niño, Butuan City. The Municipal Agriculture Fishery Council of RTR, Agusan del Norte was also recognized.

All winners received a cash award and a plaque of recognition on the said event.