THE Department of Agriculture (DA) led the Farmers and Fishermen's Month Kick-Off Ceremony Monday, May 16, with the theme “Modernization and Industrialization towards a bountiful harvest and high income” at the DA regional office.

The event was led by Regional Technical Director for Operation & Extension Dr. Eduardo L. Lapuz, Jr., OIC Regional Technical Director for Research, Regulatory and Integrated Laboratories Mr. Arthur D. Dayrit, Ph.D. and RAFC-Chairman Engr. Francisco Hernandez.

The event was first celebrated in May 1989 through Presidential Proclamation No.33 with the aim of paying tribute and recognition to our agricultural workers in the development of local agriculture.

He also mentioned and made the point that the agricultural sector is the first to recover despite the recent pandemic.

According to Engr. Hernandez, "It is a great privilege and a good opportunity for us farmers and fishermen to be recognized." "Just knowing and recognizing you for what we do is a great legacy for us," he added.

And for this celebration, the Department selected five farmers to be honored for their diligence and dedication to farming, they are Jonel Jimenez, Jose Tolentino, Angel Torres, Vivian Torres and Renato Tolentino. Each received a bag of hybrid rice seeds and two bags of fertilizers.