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NTA honors outstanding tobacco growers, workers

By Leilanie Adriano

April 20, 2023, 7:34 pm

<p><strong>TOBACCO AWARD</strong>. Eleven outstanding tobacco growers and 11 extension workers are honored on Friday for their contribution to the development of the tobacco industry in the country. Each winner received PHP25,000 and a plaque of recognition from the National Tobacco Administration. <em>(Photo courtesy of NTA)</em></p>

TOBACCO AWARD. Eleven outstanding tobacco growers and 11 extension workers are honored on Friday for their contribution to the development of the tobacco industry in the country. Each winner received PHP25,000 and a plaque of recognition from the National Tobacco Administration. (Photo courtesy of NTA)

LAOAG CITY – The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) honored on Thursday 22 outstanding tobacco growers and extension workers for their exemplary performance in the development of the tobacco industry in the country.

Held at the DA-PhilRice auditorium in Barangay Tabug, Batac City, the event recognized winners from the provinces of La Union, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, Cagayan and Isabela, who each received a plaque of appreciation and a PHP25,000 cash incentive.

This year’s winners in the different tobacco types/subtypes were: Leonila D. Cabanban for Virginia Neutral; Elmar Pagatpatan and Juanito L. Gapate for Virginia Improved Flavor; Rolly M. Gulla for Burley Neutral; Dionisio C. Dumalag Jr., Rodolfo Del Castillo, Susan M. Caballes and Ronald B. Parado for Burley Improved Flavor; Mervin Maltizo and Renato Yosoris for Native Cigar Filter; and Jose Corpuz for Native Batek Chewing.

At least 11 extension workers who assisted the winners in the proper use of science and technology-based knowledge in producing tobacco were also recognized during the awarding ceremony.

"It is fitting us to give honor and proper attribution to our farmers, as they are our current heroes because of their contributions for our economic development,” NTA administrator Benilda Sanchez said.

Initiated by the NTA, the annual search for tobacco aims to recognize tobacco growers who show innovativeness, efficiency, compliance with good agricultural practices, and protect the environment and demonstrate the application of science and technology-based knowledge during tobacco production.

The winners were evaluated based on the following criteria: crop stand, which includes the uniformity of plants; disease incidence; and insect damage, including the adoption of recommended variety, fertilizer application, and recommended crop protection agents.

The criteria also included the yield and quality of cured leaves and income. (PNA)

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