THE Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) has kicked off its evaluation of nominees for this year's search for outstanding animal raisers in Negros Occidental.
The winners will form part of the 7th Pasidungog sa Panguma, Pangisda kag Pangkasapatan awardees, who will be recognized during the Pana-ad sa Negros Festival next month.
Other recipients are outstanding farmers and fisherfolk to be identified by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA).
This year’s province-wide search, which will cover 22 categories, recognizes outstanding local farmer-raisers, entrepreneurs, technicians, associations, local government units, and agriculture tourism advocates involved in livestock and poultry development.
Cathy Narez, project development officer II of PVO, said the annual search is also aimed at encouraging other animal raisers in the province to improve their respective productions.
“The initiative highlights the raisers’ contribution as partners of the provincial government in implementing various programs and measures positioned to develop the local livestock and poultry industry,” Narez added.
Last Friday, an evaluation team composed of representatives from the Department of Agriculture -Negros Island Region (DA-NIR), Negros Association of Animal Feed and Drug Suppliers (Naafeds), media, academe, and personnel of PVO started the evaluation of nominees in the Fourth District.
Among the first batch of nominees evaluated were lawyer Henry Yap from Bago City, who is vying for outstanding animal tourism advocate; Ruslin Guinanao of San Enrique, for outstanding technician in swine artificial insemination; Benoni Demerin of La Carlota City, for outstanding backyard egg producer; and Ariel Polana of Bago City, for outstanding duck raiser.
Other nominees evaluated for individual category were Arnulfo Britanico from San Enrique, backyard swine raiser; Jesus Morales from Bago City, carabao raiser; Juanito Ang from Pulupandan, beef cattle raiser; and Mary Grace Morales from Bago City, goat raiser.
Also from Bago City, nominees are Alexander Dormido and Salvacion Salhay for outstanding sheep and free-range chicken raisers, respectively.
Nice Linnette Quiatchon and Ronaldo Corral, both of Valladolid, vie for outstanding livestock and poultry entrepreneur, and integrated farming practitioner, respectively.
Under group category, the Pulupandan Paravet Association was evaluated for outstanding volunteer association on animal health services, and Alijis Livestock and Hog Raisers Marketing Cooperative, for outstanding association in animal genetic improvement.
Antonio Cuarte and Family of Valladolid are nominated for outstanding family in livestock production.
Meanwhile, nominees from First, Fifth and Sixth Districts will be evaluated this week.
The PVO targets to complete the evaluation in all districts in the province by April 3.
The awarding ceremony will be held on April 29 at the Pana-ad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.