Prosperidad is a Spanish word which means prosperity. True to its name, the municipality prospers to be one of the outstanding rice producer in Caraga Region.
The Municipality of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur bagged for the third time the Outstanding Municipality for the 2016 Rice Achievers Award in the national level.
Rice Achievers Awards (RAA) is an annual event organized by the Department of Agriculture to recognize the outstanding province, municipalities/cities, irrigators associations (IAs), small water impounding systems associations (SWISAs), agricultural extension workers (AEW), and the local farmer technicians (LFT) for their significant contributions to the rice industry. This is to encourage commitment and ensure excellent performance of our LGU stakeholders of their respective functions and responsibilities.
The success of the municipality being an awardee for three consecutive years (2014, 2015 & 2016) is attributed to the collaborative efforts of the national, provincial and municipal government in implementing program and projects for rice farming. The municipality maintained an average yield of 5 metric tons per hectare for irrigated areas and 4 metric tons per hectare for rainfed in the last three years.
“There are various contributing factors for the success that we gained. One of these is the increase in area planted to hybrid rice and certified seeds through High Yielding Technology Adoption (HYTA) and High-Quality Seeds Assistance Program from the DA. Another factor is the input production support to farmers or irrigators association for crop protection and production especially in identified low yielding areas,” said Municipal Agriculturist Marlita Cortez.
The continuous training and support to agricultural extension services, provision of pre and post production facilities and the support of the local officials also paved the way for the success of the municipality.
For 2016, The municipality has an allocation of 1.67% internal revenue allotment (IRA) for rice or an equivalent of ₱3.14 million. The budget allocated reveals the strong support of the LGU to develop the rice production of the municipality.
Aside from the recognition brought by the municipality, ten outstanding AEWs were also recognized. Four of them came from Butuan City, namely: Nestor J. Fuentes, Thelma A. Burgos, Segundina O. Ayag, Agnes C. Alcazar.
For the municipality of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte four AEWs stood out. These are Basilisa C. Huera, Concepcion P. Suma-oy, Gertrulyn T. Natonton and Cecilia G. Abdulmajid.
Marion G. Martin III from Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur and Victoria A. Roda from Jabonga, Agusan del Norte are also recognized as outstanding agricultural extension workers in the region.
Connie A. Erigan from Butuan City, Josephine D. Alutaya, Bislig City and Raul V. Cambarihan from Basilisa, Province of Dinagat Islands also joins the roster of awardees as outstanding Local Farmer Technicians.
A total of 13 individuals and one municipality brought a significant contribution to the development of the rice sector in the region. Each individual will receive ₱20,000 cash prize and a plaque of appreciation. While the Municipality of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur will receive ₱1 million worth of agriculture-related projects as an incentive for their efforts.
Awarding was held yesterday, May 23, 2017, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Roxas Boulevard, Manila. (Rhea C. Abao – DA-Caraga Information Section)
