QUEZON CITY, May 28 (PIA) -The awards were presented to Fidel Josue (fisheries), Demetrio de Ocampo (high value crops), Jerry Villanada (rice), and Leon Bonilla (corn). The four were recognized for their commendable impact to the growth and development of the Philippine agriculture.
The recognition was conferred by DA Undersecretary for Operations Emerson Palad, Assistant Secretary for Finance Ophelia Agawin, and Region IV-B Regional Executive Director Cipriano Santiago.
Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, through his message read by Usec Palad, described the farmers and fisherfolks as the “true heroes” of our country.
“They constantly provide food on our tables,” the message stressed.
DA continues to collaborate and partner with farmers, fishers and other agricultural stakeholders as part of the efforts of the government towards a more developed rural sector, focusing immensely on food production.
Based on the data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, agricultural losses due to El Niño and other calamities like typhoons were much lower than the projected figures because of the steadfast cooperation of the private and the public sectors.
The government has continued to provide interventions including the conduct of cloud seeding sorties, information dissemination, technology adaptation, construction and rehabilitation of diversion dams, and similar projects essential in mitigating the impacts of the long-dry spell.
Farmers’ and Fisherfolks Month is celebrated every May each year, by virtue of Proclamation No. 33 signed by President Corazon C. Aquino in 1989. The annual celebration aims to give honor and recognition to the men and women of the agriculture sector who toil the farms, amidst adverse weather conditions to provide safe and quality foodstuff to the entire nation. (DA)