Cagayan wins 2009 Gawad Saka Awards championship

Tuguegarao City (2 October) — Farmers and fisherfolk of Cagayan Province grabbed the championship award in the just concluded 2009 Regional Gawad Saka clientele category.

Cagayan has bagged 9 major awards in different categories paving their chance to grab the championship from Isabela province that posted 8 major awards and landed second place in this year’s search.

Dr. Andrew B. Villacorta, DA-Regional Executive Director, said Gawad Saka aims to promote modern agriculture to meet the demand of food supply, not only in the entire region but also in the country and abroad.

Villacorta further stated that the activity gives due recognition to individuals and groups who have excelled and contributed much in the field of agriculture.

In the individual category, Mr. Rodolfo Munoz of Roxas, Isabela was adjudged as Outstanding Rice farmer, Mr. Jeremias Pagulayan of Ilagan Isabela, Outstanding Corn farmer, Mr. William Banay of Roxas Isabela, Outstanding High Value Commercial Crop (HVCC) framer, Mr. Fernando E. Dierra of Itbayat, Batanes, Outstanding Large Animal Raiser, Mr. David Agpoon of Allacapan Cagayan, Outstanding Coconut Farmner, Mr. Rosendo Bancud of Piat Cagayan, Outstanding Sigarcane farmer, Ms. Vivein Taniza of San Mateo Isabela, Outstanding Fisherfolk-Fish Culture, Mr. Julcardio Bangalisan of Palanan Isabela, Outstanding Fisherfolk-Fish Capture, Mr. Tirso Tecson, Jr. of Gonzaga Cagayan, Outsnading Young farmer/Fsherfolk, and Dr. Jontahan Nayga of ISU-Echague, Isabela as Outsanding Agrocultural Scientist.

For group category, Lighthouse Cooperatives of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan was awarded as Outstanding Agri Entrepreneur, Sanchez Mira Cagayan MAFC, Outstanding MAFC, San Lorenzo RIC of Lallo, Cagayan, Outstanding RIC, Hiltop 4H club of Gonzaga, Cagayan, Outstanding 4H club, and Sto. Domingo MPC of Baggao, Cagayan as Outstanding Small Farmer/Fisherfolk Organization.

The special awards were given to LGU-Minante I in Cauayan City, Isabela and Balligi Rural Improvement Club of Sta Ana, Cagayan for the good performance and rating of their Barangay Bagsakan Project, LGU and NGO respectively. (Oliver/PIA 2)