MANILA. - The Department of Agriculture recognizes the effort and support of its stakeholders towards agricultural development. At Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), last May 31, 2018, DA together with Agricultural Training Institute(ATI) and other line agencies celebrated the 2017 Rice Achievers Awards with the theme “Pagpupugay sa mga Natatanging Lalawigan, Bayan/Lungsod, Irrigator’s Associations (IAs) at Small Water Irrigation System Associations (SWISAs)”.

For region 7, the Local Government of San Miguel, Bohol received P1M for being one of the outstanding municipalities who had increased rice yield last year. The said award was received by Hon. Nunila M. Pinat, Mayor of San Miguel together with DA-RFO7 Regional Executive Director Salvador Diputado and DA-ATI7 Center Director Carolyn May O. Daquio.

Another award goes to Asosasyon sa Katawhan sa Lamigan, Banban ug Nabhang nga Nagkahiusa in Banban, Ayungon, Negros Oriental for being one of the outstanding SWISAs in the country. Representatives of the association received the award amounting to P250K.

The event was made possible with the presence of Senator Cythia Villar, Chairman-Committee on Agriculture and Food, Sec. Emmanuel F. Piñol of DA, Undersecretary Ariel T. Cayanan, ATI Director Luz A. Taposok, BSWM CESO III Director Angel C. Enriquez and NIA Gen. Ricardo R. Visaya (RET).