BAGUIO CITY(PIA) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) recognized groups and individual farmers who have shown dedication in uplifting the agricultural industry in Cordillera region.
Agriculture Undersecretary Roger Navarro with DA Regional Executive Director Jennilyn Dawayan and other key officials led the awarding of plaques of recognition and tokens to the regional Gawad Saka awardees during the culmination of the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month celebration at the Rose Garden in Baguio City on May 29, 2025.
Leading the awardees are Rey Duldulao as Outstanding Animal Raiser Adopting Integrated Farming System, Sunshine Genevive Molintas as Outstanding High Value Crops Farmer for Plantation Crops, Dome Garden, Best Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Garden-Microgarden Category, and the Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Council-Benguet as Outstanding PAFC. These are national finalists to the 50th Gawad Saka awards.
The individual awardees are Farah Mae Pantoloc as Outstanding Young Farmer, Romeo Kimbungan as Outstanding Agricultural Entrepreneur, Fidelia Dominguez-Alipio recognized as Outstanding Corn Farmer, and Domingo Bernardo Bakilan as Outstanding Agricultural Extension Manager.
For the group achievers, awardees are the Vitagreen Rural Improvement Club – Outstanding Rural improvement Club, Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council of Itogon – Outstanding Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council, Fit and Fab Farm (Lucnab, Baguio)-Best Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Garden-Macrogarden Category, and Atok GAP Practitioners Association (Atok, Benguet) – Outstanding High Value Crops Farmer-Cluster Category.
Gawad Saka is an annual awarding and recognition of outstanding individuals and organizations with exemplary performances and outstanding contributions in the advancement and promotion of the country’s agricultural sector.
Navarro expressed gratitude to the awardees and all the farmers who are continuously supporting the agricultural sector.
“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa ating mga awardees, ‘yung mga farmers natin, ‘yung mga magsasaka natin na walang kupas na nagsasaka pa rin, lahat ng supporter ng agrikultura,” he said.
Navarro also acknowledged those who are consistently providing assistance to the farmers, boosting the agriculture sector.
“Sa ating mga partners, ating mga local government units, sa mga ahensiya ng gobyerno, maraming salamat sa inyo, sa pagtulong at patuloy na suporta sa pagkilala na ang ating agrikultura ay mahalaga para sa bansa,” Navarro said.
Other activities conducted to honor the invaluable contribution of farmers and fisherfolk in the region’s development include Agri-serbisyo Fair and Technology Showcase, information caravan, raffle draws, radio listenership/effectiveness survey, “pinaka” contest and poster- making contest. **JDP/CVBT-PIA CAR with DA CAR
