BRHMA-Alabama RIC is Gawad Saka Outstanding Rural Improvement Club awardee

Baguio City (25 July) — The Department of Agriculture-CAR awarded to the Baguinge Rural Home Makers Association-Alabama Rural Improvement Club (BRHMA-Alabama RIC) the Regional Gawad Saka Outstanding RIC Award 2009 during its Anniversary at DA-CAR, Baguio City on June 30, 2009.

The DA awarded the Club with a Plaque of Recognition for besting other nominees with high marks in the area of organizational management, economic activities and performance, and community service. The award consisted of a plaque of recognition, a La Germania Oven with a three layer steamer, and an additional cash of P100,000 from RED Ceasar Rodriguez for the construction of a Multi-purpose Pavement in Baguinge, Kiangan.

The Club’s officers led by Cecilia B. Guiniling, together with the Provincial Agriculturist Raymundo G. Bahatan, Avelino L. Lunag, Jr., Brgy. Captain Alberto D. Binlang, Jr., Hon. Ananayo and Mayor Jonathan M. Cuyahon were there to receive the award.

The BRHMA-Alabama RIC is productively engaged in root crops processing and micro-lending. It provides employment and additional income to its (42) women members who come from neighboring sitios: Ala, Bacung, Baguinge Lower, Magulong and Mapolwe, from which words is coined the acronym ALABAMA.

The previous and present officers of the Club have coordinated with various government agencies for assistance on organizational strengthening and entrepreneurial skills development. Topmost on the line of supporters is the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) that approved the Club’s project proposal for a processing equipment worth P100,00, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Provincial Sustainable Development Office (PSDO), Technical Education, and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Central Cordillera Agricultural Programme (CECAP), the Provincial Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Office (PAENRO), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and Local Government Unit, for skills development and enhancement.

The Club also sustains year-long projects like swine dispersal, rootcrops production and backyard gardening, livestock raising, and rice production. It also participates in socio-civic programs like helping other RICs in the municipality, initiating agri-based skills contests during barangay fiestas, participating in Municipal and Provincial Fiestas where it always received citations, and rendering community service in support of the Clean and Green and Solid Waste Management Program of LGU Kiangan. Likewise, it sponsors prayer meetings, Novenas and Outreach Programs to indigent malnourished and disabled individuals within the barangay.

The Baguinge Rural Home Makers Association- Alabama RIC is the regional nominee to the National Search for Outstanding Gawad Saka Rural Improvement Clubs. (DTI-Ifugao)