Two irrigators association, the Kahaponan-Valencia Irrigators Association (KVIA) Inc. of Valencia City, Bukidnon and the Delapa Mibantang Sta. Cruz Communal Irrigators Association Inc. (DMSCIA) of Quezon, Bukidnon received PhP 1 Million check each as outstanding Irrigators Association under the National Irrigation and Communal Irrigation Categories respectively. Together with them are the City Agriculture Office of Valencia City and Provincial Agriculture Office of Bukidnon with PhP 1M and 4M respectively. The four are National winners during the Rice Achievers Awards this year. The awarding of the check was made during the 10th Rice Technology Forum held at Kahaponan, Valencia City. The awarding of prizes was witnessed by Rice Scientists, Dr. Santiago Obien, Dr. Fresco Malabanan, Mr. Recher Unda of Rice Board and many more local and national personalities in the rice industry. Handing the check is Ms. Maria Lydia Echavez, the OIC Center Director of ATI-RTC X together with Dir. Carlene Collado of DA-RFO 10.

The event also showcased various rice farm machineries and technologies in rice production including drone seeding, mechanical drum seeded, mechanical transplanter and combine harvester. 10 hybrid seed and fertilizer companies also participated in the event as the Kahaponan Irrigators Association offered 100 hectares demo area for various hybrid seed and fertilizer companies and the various machineries for rice production.

Also present during the activity is CMU President, Dr. Jesus Antonio Derije, City Mayor of Valencia, Hon. Azucena Huervas, Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture of Valencia City, Hon. Glenn Peduche, City Agriculturist Connie Dalagan, Provincial Agriculturist, Engr. Alson Quimba, Misamis Occidental Provincial Agriculturist, Dennis Leopoldo, Municipal and City Agriculturists and Technicians all over the Region, DA-RFO Staff, Representatives of Seed and Fertilizer companies, rice farmers, and many more.

The awards that were received will be used for projects to improve the rice industry.