CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- In culmination of the celebration of Farmer’s Week, the Local Government of San Fernando through its City Agriculture and Veterinary Office (CAVO) recognized some 12 Fernandino farmers for their outstanding performance and contribution in achieving sustainable farming during the Awarding of “Pinaka” Winners and Outstanding Farmers on Friday at the City Nursery Demonstration Farm in Barangay Lara here.
City Agriculturist Cristina Sangumay said the aim of the activity is to laud and encourage farmers to improve their skills and knowledge in farming by using new techniques in farming methods to ensure the food security for the community.
“We recognize the farmers who have unique planting strategies which have boosted agriculture in the city,” Sangumay said.
The winners for the Outstanding Farmers were Edgar Gonzales (outstanding rice producer), Eduardo Sinamban (outstanding corn producer), Francisco Tancio (outstanding HVCC producer), Romeo Quizon (outstanding fisher folk) and Jesus David (outstanding livestock raiser).
Meanwhile, farmers with odd products were also recognized. The winners for the “Pinaka” Contest were Francisco Tancio (biggest/heaviest kalabasa), Cesario Jimenez (biggest/heaviest cassava), Jerry Cunanan (longest/heaviest talong), Jun Ventura (biggest/heaviest tilapia), Eduardo Manalo (biggest/heaviest papaya), Alberic Pangilinan (biggest/heaviest gabi) while Jesus Pamintuan bagged the “Kalabaw Ko Yan’ award for having the best carabao in terms of milking ability, draft calf produce and ability to work in farm.
Aside from the awarding, CAVO also distributed vegetable seeds and certified seeds to some farmers and opened its trade fair, wherein various products and crops of the farmers were for sale.
Mayor Edwin Santiago said: “We eat three times a day that is why it is just fitting that we thank and recognize our farmers who never get tired of putting food in our tables.”
Also present during the program were Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin, City Councilor and Committee on Agriculture Nelson Lingat, Pyestang Fernandino 2018 Chairperson Robbie Hizon, Third District Board Member Ananias Canlas Jr. and Butil Farmer’s Partylist Representative Cecilia Leonila Chavez-Custodio.