BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) bagged three national recognitions in the 51st Gawad Saka Awards.
The Department of Agriculture recognized individuals and councils for their exemplary contribution to agriculture, enhancing productivity and improving farmers’ conditions during the Gawad Saka awarding ceremony at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City, on June 29, 2026.
The Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC) of Benguet was conferred the Outstanding Provincial Agricultural and Fisheries Council award while the Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council (MAFC) of Itogon, Benguet, was named the Outstanding Municipal Agricultural and Fisheries Council.
Named the Outstanding High-Value Crops Farmer-Achiever (Plantation Crops) is Edna Norial of Lamut, Ifugao.
According to the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera, PAFC Benguet has consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment and performance in supporting agriculture and fisheries in the province.
“Their achievement in the Gawad Saka 2026 recognizes their outstanding contributions to the agricultural sector, their volunteerism approaches to sustainable development, and their unwavering support for the farming and fishing communities of Benguet,” the DA-CAR said.
The award of the Itogon MAFC is in recognition of their exceptional commitment and contributions to serve as volunteer private partners to the Agricultural sector.
The IMAFC has consistently demonstrated outstanding commitment to agricultural development, sustainability and innovation, as it maintains its roles and functions as one of the policy-making bodies and the monitoring arm of the AFC in the municipality.
Meanwhile, Edna Norial manages the family-owned Love Nature Farm in Mabatu-batu, Lamut, and is the lead processor of their cacao products. She has been an active and valued partner in the implementation of agricultural programs and projects since 2013.
The steadfast dedication and passion of the Norial Family, especially Edna, in farming and cacao processing have enabled them to sustain and improve their livelihood while creating employment and learning opportunities for others. Their journey embodies resilience, innovation, and commitment to excellence in agricultural production and value-adding.
Benguet PAFC chairperson Gerson Domoguen, MAFC chairperson Romeo Casilla, Itogon Mayor Bernard Waclin, and the Norial family received their respective awards from DA Undersecretary Roger Navarro.
The two councils each received P600,000 in cash incentives, while Norial received P250,000. They were also given plaques.
Navarro lauded the dedication and selfless service of this year’s awardees, emphasizing that their contributions go beyond recognition. He underscored that the country’s food security depends on the dedication and passion of farmers, fisherfolk, and agricultural leaders.
He also stressed that agriculture today should focus not only on increasing production but also on improving efficiency throughout the value chain, particularly in post-harvest facilities such as cold storage.
Meanwhile, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan emphasized that the true measure of success in agriculture is not merely the volume of production but the improved lives of farmers and fisherfolk. **JDP/RMC -PIA-CAR with reports from DA-CAR
