Eight farmers get award from city

CEBU, Philippines - Farmers who found fortune in tilling their land yesterday received honor and award from the Cebu City government in line with the celebration of the city’s 74th Charter Day.

Eight city farmers and two farmer organizations were awarded with plaque and P10,000 cash each in recognition of their hardwork, for being inspiration and for sharing their best practices to their fellow farmers.

Among the awardees is Barangay Tagbao councilman, Fernando Arcilla, who started farming at the age of 13 to help his parents. He continued farming until he got married.

Using modern technologies in farming, his farm continuously grew until he reached his status today. Arcilla is a vegetable grower and became the president of the Tagbao Farmer’s Association, which he used as a venue to teach other farmers and those interested in farming.

Farming has also helped Lorna Borres, also a vegetable grower in Barangay Adlaon, to send her children to school. Her income in growing high-end vegetables enabled her to send her children in one of the big universities here. Her eldest child is now a certified public accountant.

She shares the same experience with Ernesto Atuel of Barangay Cambinocot. Atuel owns five hectares of land mostly planted with corn while the rest is planted with vegetables. Farming also enabled him to send his five children to college.

The story of Freddie Soten, a mango grower, started with his job in 1991 as a pesticide sprayer of other farmers’ crops until he was able to grow 40 mango trees initially which grew in number through his hardwork that earn him more money. His income also helped him send his children to school.

Rubilyn N. Patindol, a cut-flower grower in Barangay Pung-ol Sibugay, owes her college degree to the variety of flowers she grew and sold to send herself to school. Now, her family owns several hectares of land in Pung-ol Sibugay planted with various species of cut-flowers they sell in the market.

 An artificial insemination technician and farmer, Joecel Codilla, earns a lot from raising farm animals such as cattle and goats, among other dairy animals.

Joecel was awarded “Best Dairy Coop Technician” by the National Dairy Authority last year.

Outstanding Agri-entrepreneurs are Rowena V. Sanoria of barangay Adlaon and Teodoro M. Borbon of barangay Guba.

Sonoria is a supplier of vegetable crops in Metro Ayala, Metro Colon and Super Metro while Borbon, who started as a driver and fish dealer, is now a mango exporter.

The city government also gave recognition to successful farmer associations and cooperatives.

The outstanding farmer association award went to Adlaon Vendors Tugbong Association while the outstanding cooperative award was bagged by the COBCAWA Multipurpose Cooperative.

The awarding was held during the launching of the three-day Agri-Fair at the Plaza Sugbo. (FREEMAN)