DA-7 awards farmers, fisherfolks

CEBU, Philippines — Farmers and fisherfolks from all over the region were recognized in an activity by the Department of Agriculture (DA)-7 that aims to pay tribute to the hard work of the country’s unsung heroes.

DA-7 conducted the Gawad Pasalamat as the culmination of the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month Celebration in May that carried the theme “Magsasaka at Mangingisda katuwang tungo sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas”.

During the event, winners of the annual Gawad Saka search were announced, which is an award to give tribute to farmers, fisherfolk, and organizations.

“A time to pay tribute to these unsung heroes, who have shown exemplary dedication and hard work in the fields in agricultural development which are deemed worthy of emulation,” DA said.

Due to the pandemic, the national search was put on hold, but the DA-7 still initiated a regional level search.

Grace Cenas, chairperson of the Regional Agricultural & Fishery Council-7 and designated Farmer Regional Exec Director of DA-7, in her speech, expressed gratitude to all the farmers and fisherfolks for all their dedicated work in producing food every day.

“You make food not only for yourselves, not just for now, but for the generations to come as well. In your work, you always consider making your farming systems sustainable by choosing your inputs well, making sure that these do not pollute the environment and protect the consumers from poisoning. Thank you so very much for farming foods in healthy ways for the people and the planet,” she said.

The Freeman was also recognized among media outlets in Central Visayas, as an active partner in the promotion of agriculture and fishery programs and projects towards achieving food sufficiency and security.

During the "pasasalamat" occasion, she reported to Agriculture and Fishery Council partners several accomplishments, including DA-7’s adoption of their resolution that before any project would have to be implemented, there shall be in place soil and water conservation that are appropriate to the specific project sites.

“This is such a milestone for our time when interventions to bring back the organic matters in our soil have become extremely important,” she said, as she acknowledged DA-7 regional director Angel Enriquez.

Cenas also shared that the National Irrigation Authority, after a dialogue, has supported their resolution to undertake a comprehensive water and irrigation systems development so as to prepare well for whatever calamities that would affect the water supply like the El Nino.

Also, Cenas said they have also submitted their resolution recommending to the DA-7 to formulate the preparation of Comprehensive Regional Agri-Fishery Development Plan to facilitate further the preparation of Provincial Agri-Fishery Development Plans for Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

Cenas also disclosed that DA-7 director Enriquez has also approved the holding of Agri-Youth Forum this coming June.

“It is my wish and desire that our partnership will become even stronger as the years go by and make our services and participation in the agri-fishery endeavors lasting, relevant and significant,” she further said.

Further, Agriculture Chief Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. in a statement earlier, has emphasized the crucial role of farmers and fisherfolk in sustaining a vibrant economy.

 “We must continue supporting and empowering our food producers, processors, and other agri-fishery stakeholders by modernizing and mechanizing Philippine agriculture. By embracing modern farming techniques, mechanization, and sustainable practices, agriculture advances to boost productivity and efficiency, maintaining its competitiveness and profitability, and meeting the demands of a growing population,” he said.

Pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 33, signed on May 21, 1989, the month of May is proclaimed as Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month to recognize the vital role farmers and fishers play in contributing to the goals of alleviating poverty, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainability. — ATO (CEBU NEWS)