DavOr hailed as Gawad Saka 2018 champ

DAVAO CITY--The province of Davao Oriental was adjudged as the 2018 Regional Gawad Saka champion for its exemplary contribution to agricultural sustainability and productivity.

Davao City is this year’s first runner-up, followed by Compostela Valley province.

During the awarding ceremony held in Davao City on Thursday, Davao Oriental bagged six major awards out of the 13 categories and four outstanding agricultural extension workers (AEW) were recognized.

Davao Oriental group category winners were the Outstanding Barangay Food Terminal -- Non LGU --Tandang Sora Barangay Food Terminal, Outstanding Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council -- PAFC Davao Oriental, and Outstanding Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council --MAFC Lupon, Davao Oriental.

The individual category winners were the Outstanding Rice Farmer, Edna Deypalubos; Outstanding Coconut Farmer -- Betty More; and Outstanding Fisher Folk (Aquaculture Fisheries), Conde Mascardo. Outstanding AEW winners were Vincent Jun Caminero, Emma Montejo, Visitacion Kuan, and Eugene Dujali.

The winners received plaques and cash prizes.

Governor Nelson Dayanghirang lauded the efforts of the farmers and fisher folk, not only in Davao Oriental but around the region, who have contributed in securing food for every Filipinos.

“We thank and salute your efforts. You have been very diligent in your agricultural endeavors, that is why you are being honored today,” Dayanghirang said.

He added, “Let me thank DA (Department of Agriculture) for continuing to inspire and encourage our partners, fisher folk, and animal growers to persevere in agriculture and make it a highly regarding industry and establish an economic pillar that the country can depend on.”

DA 11 Director Ricardo Oñate Jr. commended the partnership of the department and other agriculture stakeholders, both in the local government and private sectors.

“This is the right time that we can thank all of you for your support because you have made our work light and bearable. Thank you for trusting the programs of DA,” Oñate said.

He assured the farmers, fisher folk and stakeholders present in the event that DA will continue to create an atmosphere where their requests and demands will be heard and addressed.

Betty More, one of the awardees, thanked the support of the government and encouraged her fellow farmers to strive hard to improve their living conditions.

More also challenged them to improve their produce to compete with the ASEAN market, as well as transform them not only as mere producers but to become agri-entrepreneurs.

Gawad Saka is an annual search of DA which has become the highest form of recognition to deserving farmers and fisher folk in the country who have excelled in the various sectors of agriculture. (Cherry Mae Palicte/PNA)