By Clarence May F. De Guzman
SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ, Nueva Ecija (PIA) – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the awarding of 43 exemplary farmers, fisherfolk, and institutions during the 50th Gawad Saka Awarding Ceremony.
The Gawad Saka, established in 1970, is the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) highest annual recognition program for individuals, groups, and institutions that have demonstrated innovation, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the agricultural sector.
In his keynote message, Marcos Jr. lauded the farmers and fisherfolk, and acknowledged their vital role in achieving the national government’s goals on food security and countryside development.
“Thank you very much for your sacrifice. We know that the life of a fisherman, the life of a farmer is not easy, and it is very difficult just to make a living, to feed not only the whole family but also the entire Philippines,” he said.
This year’s Gawad Saka Awards has nine categories including Crops (Rice, Corn, Cassava, Coconut, Sugarcane, High-Value crops, Urban and peri-urban agriculture); Livestock; Fisheries (Aquaculture, capture fisheries); Institutions I (Farm and fisherfolk family, Rural Improvement Club, Farmer or Fisherfolk organization, Agricultural and Fishery council, KADIWA Program, and KADIWA ng Pangulo Program Implementer); Institutions II (Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council, and Local Government Unit); Agricultural Scientist and Researcher; Agricultural Extension Manager and Worker; Youth (Young Farmer or Fisherfolk and Young Farmer or Fisherfolk organization; and
Cross-cutting (Agricultural Entrepreneur and Rural Financial Institution).
One of the awardees was Arnel Santiago, a fisherfolk from Isabela, who was awarded under Outstanding Fisherfolk-Aquaculture Category.
“This award is not only a personal victory, but a triumph for all of us farmers and fisherfolk. I hope it serves as an inspiration for us to work even harder,” he said.
Each awardee received a cash prize and the Gawad Saka trophy, symbolizing the government’s commitment to uplift and professionalize the agriculture and aquaculture sectors. (MJSC/CMFG, PIA Region 3-BULACAN GIP)
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