RECEPIENT farmers, fisherfolk and animal raisers of the 2019 Pasidungog sa Panguma, Pangisda kag Pangkasapatan awards are urged to sustain the efforts of boosting the agriculture sector of Negros Occidental.
Speaking at the awarding rites at Panaad Park in Bacolod City on Saturday, Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. lauded the contribution of local farmers and fisherfolk.
"You are the real heroes of today because you are the ones producing our food," Marañon said as he urged them to continue their good works because agriculture is the way of the future.
The annual province-wide search highlights the farmers, fisherfolk and animal raisers' contribution as partners of the Provincial Government in implementing various programs and measures geared towards the development of the local agriculture industry.
For this year, 45 individuals and groups from different towns and cities in Negros Occidental were awarded.
There were 14 outstanding producers in the crop sector (panguma).
They are Marlon Galan of Binalbagan as outstanding integrated rice farmers, Nenita Tayco of La Castellana as outstanding corn farmer, Mary Joy Dagang of La Castellana as outstanding agripreneur, Felonel Alibo of La Castellana as outstanding PWD practicing agriculture, Feliciano Ricablanca of San Carlos City as oustanding high value crop (vegetable) farmer, Evelyn Celeste of Salvador Benedicto for fruits, and Roberto Bantilan for mushroom production.
Others are Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council (MAFC) of E.B. Magalona - outstanding MAFC; Newton-Camingawan Farmers Association of Bago City - outstanding small farmers organization; Asosasyon sang Tumandok Bukidnon sa Barangay San Agustin of Isabela - outstanding indigenous cultural community; Pejida Family of La Castellana - outstanding farm family; Daug Small Water Irrigation System Association of Hinoba-an - oustanding small water irrigation system association; San Carlos City - outstanding local government unit (LGU) implementing food security program; and Mirasol Coste of Bago City - outstanding agricultural extension worker.
For women and youth, Ramie Araneta of Victorias City won as outstanding young farmer, Ana Marie Braza of Bago City as outstanding rural woman, Barangay Kapitan Ramon Women's Association of Silay City as outstanding rural improvement club, Minnesota 4H Club of La Castellana as outstanding young farmers organization, and Sheena Magapan of Salvador Benedicto as outstanding single mother practicing agriculture.
In fisheries (pangisda), the province recognized Evelio Lobrido of Bago City as outstanding fisherfolk; Felicisimo Pajanconi of Hinigaran - outstanding tilapia fish farmer; Aquino Diamante of Bago City - outstanding bangus fish farmer; Mabolo-Lampunaya Fisherfolk Association of Pontevedra - outstanding fisherfolk organization; San Carlos Bantay Dagat Task Force - outstanding Bantay Dagat (city category); Manapla Bantay Dagat Task Force - outstanding Bantay Dagat (town category); and Ruel Labajo and Family of San Carlos City - outstanding family engaged in fising.
For livestock and poultry sector (pangkasapatan), there were 19 Pasidungog awardees this year.
Nerlynn Lim of Manapla was awarded as outstanding animal tourism advocate; Happy Elanie Aguilar of Hinigaran - backyard egg producer; Daniel Einosas of Kabankalan City - backyard swine raiser; Alessandro Lacson of Cadiz City - dairy animal raiser; Hadjie Ruales of Moises Padilla - duck raiser; and Salvacion Salhay of Bago City - free-range chicken raiser.
Other individual winners are Arnold Abante of San Carlos City - outstanding goat/sheep raiser; Nice Linnette Quiatchon of Valladolid - outstanding livestock and poultry entrepreneur (backyard level); Doronald Panabe of Candoni - outstanding technician on artificial insemination (large animals); Giovannie Ibanez of Kabankalan City - outstanding technician on artificial insemination (swine); Dr. Romeo Agraviador Jr. of San Carlos City - outstanding small animal raiser adapting integrated farming system; and Ricardo Patricio of La Castellana - outstanding large animal raiser adapting integrated farming system.
For group categories, Ritchie Balandra and Family of Sagay City bagged the outstanding family on livestock production award.
Laudatus Poultry Broiler Farm in Murcia was awarded outstanding broiler contact grower while San Carlos City and Cadiz City were the outstanding LGU partner on animal genetic improvement and multiplier farm operation, respectively.
Other group awardees were Isabela Hog Raisers Association - outstanding association on animal genetic improvement; San Enrique Paravet Association - outstanding volunteer organization on animal health services; and Murcia Hog Raisers Association - most cooperative association in the implementation of Negros First Animal Livelihood Program.
The awardees received cash, trophies and certificates.
Marañon took pride that the provincial government's agriculture programs have taken off.
The governor cited that in terms of rice sufficiency "we are almost there" attributing it to the mechanization efforts of the province.
"If properly motivated and supported, our farmers will surely become effective and efficient," Marañon said, adding that Negros is so blessed as rains poured in amid the prevailing effects of El Niño phenomenon.
Moreveover, the provincial government also honored seven Pagkaon scholars, who graduated as cum laude this year.
They are Julito Manlangit, Camille Cahilig, Mirasol Jaranilla, Cheyen Belinas, Melissa Nieves, Theresa Pasicaran and Nemuel Taloyo.
Engineer Crispino Cepeda, on the other hand, was cited as national awardee outstanding seed innovator.
Senator Juan Edgardo Angara was the keynote speaker during the awarding rites.
He was accompanied by House Deputy Speaker Pia Cayetano. They assured support to the local farmers and fisherfolk.
Also leading the activity, which is part of the annual Panaad sa Negros Festival, were Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Provincial Agriculturist Japhet Masculino and Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena.