TARLAC CITY (PIA) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) recognized the vital contribution of Central Luzon farmers and fisherfolk in ensuring food security.
In his message during the 51st Gawad Saka Regional Awards, DA Assistant Secretary for Operations U-Nichols Manalo emphasized that farmers and fisherfolk serve as the pillars of food security, noting that the food on every household’s table comes from their hard work and dedication.
”Binibigyan natin ng pagpapahalaga ang ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda bilang pagpupugay sa kanilang mahalagang papel dahil sila ang nagpapakain sa buong bansa (We are giving importance to our farmers and fisherfolk in honor of their important contributions in feeding the entire nation),” he stated.
Manalo added that farmers and fisherfolk deserve recognition for their unwavering commitment to producing food despite the challenges faced by the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
”Ang pagbibigay ng parangal ay nararapat para sa kanila (It is only fitting that they be recognized for their contributions)” he emphasized.
With the dedication of the sector in ensuring food security, the DA continues to champion farmers and fisherfolk through various initiatives and support programs, including the Gawad Saka Awards, which honors outstanding farmers, fisherfolk and agricultural partners for their contributions to agricultural development and food security.
Regional awardees this year include Danilo Dionisio of Bulacan in the Aquaculture category, Ana Catalina Trinidad of Nueva Ecija as Outstanding Rural Woman, Wilson Brondial of Bataan as Outstanding Agricultural Entrepreneur, and Danilo Cunanan of Pampanga as Outstanding Corn Farmer.
Also receiving recognition were the Pindangan 2nd Multipurpose Cooperative of Tarlac as Outstanding Corn Cluster, the Provincial Agricultural and Fisheries Council of Zambales as Outstanding Provincial Agricultural and Fisheries Council, and the Municipal Agricultural and Fisheries Council of Aurora as Outstanding Municipal Agricultural and Fisheries Council.
Manalo underscored that the awards serves as a tribute to the agency’s key partners in advancing the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
Meanwhile, following the “Para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas” initiative of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., DA also committed to continue implementing programs and interventions for the agriculture and fisheries sectors in partnership with local government units and other government agencies.
The support provided by the agency, such as the production assistance, farm mechanization initiatives, and capacity-building programs, is aimed at improving productivity and increasing the income of farmers and fisherfolk.
Meanwhile, Manalo encouraged farmers and fisherfolk to remain steadfast in their work, underscoring their vital role in providing food for the nation.
”Huwag po kayong magsasawa sa pagtatanim at pangingisda dahil kayo po ang nagbibigay ng pagkain sa bawat lamesa, hindi lamang sa Gitnang Luzon kundi maging sa buong bansa (Continue your dedication to farming and fishing, as you are the ones who put food on every table, not only in Central Luzon but across the nation),” he said.
Through the recognition program and its continuing interventions, the DA aims to strengthen the agriculture sector and support the farmers and fisherfolk who play a crucial role in ensuring the country’s food security. (CLJD/AJRR, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)
