DILIMAN, Quezon City—The Department of Agriculture (DA) recognized 13 individuals and nine organizations for their outstanding contributions in the country’s agriculture and fisheries sector during the “49th Gawad Saka: Parangal sa Natatanging Magsasaka at Mangingisda” presented virtually, December 14.

Gawad Saka is an annual search led by the DA, together with its bureaus and attached agencies, that aims to pay tribute to the achievements of farmers and fishers in the country. This was first launched as the “Search for Outstanding Farmers of the Year” in 1970.

In its 49th year, Gawad Saka acknowledged the 22 awardees in a virtual event keynoted by Secretary William Dar. In his video message, Dar applauded the farmers and fishers for their efforts in ensuring food security in the country even during the pandemic.

“In the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic, you remain steadfast in the forefront of the sector to bring affordable, safe, and nutritious food to the table of every Filipino. With your support and help, we will achieve a resilient and food-secure nation while increasing the productivity of income of farmers and fishers,” he said.

He also thanked the awardees for their proactive efforts to pursue innovation and practical farming solution and assured them of the Department’s support in the further development of the sector.

Additionally, Undersecretary for Operations and Gawad Saka Technical Committee chairperson Ariel Cayanan commended every farmer and fisher in the country.

“Sa panahon ng pandemiya, na gumupo sa ekonomiya ng ating bansa, ay muling pinatunayan ng ating mga magsasaka at mga mangingisda ang kahalagahan ng agrikultura sa pag-suporta ng ating ekonomiya,” he said.

[In this time of a pandemic, which devastated our country’s economy, our farmers and fishers once again proved the importance of agriculture in supporting the growth of our economy.]

Furthermore, he guaranteed that as long as there are dedicated and modernized farmers and fishers, Gawad Saka will continue to exist.

The “49th Gawad Saka: Parangal sa Natatanging Magsasaka at Mangingisda” recognized the following farmers, fishers, researchers, and institutions for their outstanding accomplishments for 2018-2019:

Farming Sector:
• Outstanding Rice Farmer - James P. Longcob (Lanao del Norte)
• Outstanding Corn Farmer - Joel G. Goupio (Occidental Mindoro)
• Outstanding Coconut Farmer - Jesus F. Dignadice Jr. (South Cotabato)
• Outstanding Sugarcane Crops Farmer - Rufino A. Cabale (Leyte)
• Outstanding High Value Crops Farmer - Ferdinand M. Navarro (La Union)
• Outstanding Agricultural Entrepreneur - Katrine Louise Llaguno (Albay)
• Outstanding Organic Agriculture Farmer - Nelson B. Gabutero, Sr. (Oriental Mindoro)

Livestock Sector:
• Outstanding Small Animal Raiser - Roger T. Austria (Tarlac)
• Outstanding Large Animal Raiser - Teodoro V. Panaligan (Quezon)

Fishing Sector:
• Outstanding Fisherfolk (Capture Fisheries) - Romar A. Del Rosario (Isabela)
• Outstanding Fisherfolk (Aquaculture Fisheries) - Benjamie D. Bajo (Quezon)
• Outstanding Young Farmer/Fisherfolk - Nomer C. Mortega (Sorsogon)

Research Sector:
• Outstanding Agricultural Researcher - Engr. Roger O. Bagaforo (Zamboanga Peninsula)

Institution and Organization Sector:
• Outstanding Farmer/Fisherfolk Family - Mr. and Mrs. Bayani F. Purisima and family (Camarines Sur)
• Outstanding Barangay Food Terminal (LGU Category) - Tandang Sora Barangay Food Terminal (Davao Oriental)
• Outstanding Barangay Food Terminal (Non-LGU Category) - Tawangan Agrarian Reform Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Benguet)
• Outstanding Young Farmer/Fisherfolk Organization - New Leyte National High School (Compostela Valley)
• Outstanding Rural Improvement Club - Laperian Rural Improvement Club (Zamboanga del Sur)
• Outstanding Small Farmer/Fisherfolk Organization - Lezo Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Aklan)
• Outstanding Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council - Nagtipunan Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council (Quirino)
• Outstanding Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council - Quezon Agricultural and Fishery Council
• Outstanding Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council - City of Masbate Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council

The Gawad Saka winners for the farming, livestock, and fishing sectors each received cash prize worth Php250,000, while Php350,000 were given to each of the winning institutions and organizations. Additionally, funding assistance for selected projects were part of the award for some individuals and organizations.

This year’s virtual presentation of the Gawad Saka awards was spearheaded by the DA and the Agricultural Training Institute. It was streamed live through the DA’s official Facebook Page.