ATI Compound, El Salvador City---The recently concluded Rice Achievers Awards (RAA) led by Agriculture Secretary William Dar was a success which was held at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) in Quezon City. The event was broadcasted simultaneously via a Virtual Awarding Ceremony on the same day among the regions which coincided with the center’s National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) culmination.

The winners were selected by a Technical Working Group (TWG) composed of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) with members from the DA National Rice Program, Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division, Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), National Food Authority (NFA), and Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Below is the complete list of winners for Region 10:

PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF BUKIDNON
- Outstanding Province (Category A)
Prize: 4M worth of rice related project

PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF LANAO DEL NORTE
- Outstanding Province (Category B)
Prize: 4M worth of rice related project

CITY GOVERNMENT OF VALENCIA
- Outstanding City/Municipality Category
Prize: 1M worth of rice related project

The said awarding ceremony which is mounted annually by the Department of Agriculture (DA) aims to recognize the efforts of top rice producers in the Philippines. It is a way for the Department to motivate and show appreciation to institutions, groups, and individuals for their significant contributions in providing Filipinos quality and affordable rice. The 2019 Rice Achievers Awards transpired last November 27, 2020. (with reports from Ms. Jhoylie Mae Rosales-Caumban, Rice Program Point Person)