TWO entries from Negros Occidental ruled this year’s Gawad Saka, a national search for outstanding achievers in the fields of agriculture and fisheries.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has named Jerry Dionson of Barangay Busay, Bago City as this year’s Outstanding Organic Farmer in the country while the Villarena family of Barangay Patag, Silay City won as Outstanding Farmer Family.
They will receive cash awards worth P200, 000 each while their technical extension workers will receive P25,000, respectively, during the awarding ceremony of the 2016 Gawad Saka Award in Manila on December 7.
Both Dionson and the Villarena family, who are practicing integrated farming, comprised the seven entries from the province shortlisted as finalists in the annual search.
The five other national finalists were Johnic de la Cruz of Manapla town for Outstanding Young Farmer category; Binubuhan Youth Organization from Bago City - Outstanding Farmers Organization category; Crisanto Umba of San Carlos City - Outstanding Integrated Rice Farmer category; Hacienda Asuncion Taborda RIC of La Castellana - Outstanding Rural Improvement Club category; and Aurora Barredo of Fedrico’s Island Wine from Victorias City - Outstanding Agricultural Entrepreneur category.
Joyce Wendam, regional executive director of DA-Negros Island Region (NIR), yesterday told Sun.Star Bacolod the recognition shows that the agriculture industry in Negros remains vibrant and continues to flourish.
Wendam attributed the achievement to the strong collaboration of different agencies and sectors including the media, and to the dedication of the winners who are serving as models to their fellow farmers.
“We are very proud that we have made it. Negros is again making a name in the national level,” Wendam said, adding that it also shows that DA-NIR is working hard to improve the region’s agricultural productivity.
Rosario Villarena, who was also awarded as Gawad Saka Outstanding Organic Farmer in 2012, said their family is very grateful for the recognition which they would like to share to their fellow farmers.
“All our hardwork paid off,” she said, adding that their family went through a lot of challenges, particularly in growing the farm only by themselves.