PIA Press Release Tuesday, January 03, 2012 ‘Gawad Saka 2012’ in Quezon onLUCENA CITY, Quezon, January 3 (PIA) -- The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA)-Quezon is now accepting nominations for outstanding agricultural achievers for the ‘Gawad Saka 2012” which is open to all farmers and fisherfolks in the province. Provincial agriculturist Roberto Gajo said the contest aims to search for outstanding farmers/fisherfolks who were successful in their chosen field, to encourage and share their expertise with others to promote innovative technologies for duplication by others. Gajo also encouraged all municipalities to participate and send entries for all the categories in the competition. The search has three levels: provincial, regional and national level. Winners in the provincial level will vie for the regional level and the winners in the regional level will automatically compete in the national level. ‘Gawad Saka’ is a yearly undertaking of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in cooperation with other government institutions, non-government offices and the private sector. Started in 1970, the project aims to give due recognition and pay tribute to dedicated individuals and institutions whose exemplary accomplishments in their respective fields of endeavor and contribution in the country’s agricultural development are deemed worthy of emulation. It is a tribute to farmers, fisherfolks, and institutions in recognition of their agricultural contributions towards a modernized and equitable agriculture. The provincial government of Quezon headed by Gov. David Suarez through the provincial agriculture office has been an active partner of the DA in this endeavor. The OPA recognizes hardworking farmers who excel in their chosen agricultural activity, giving inspiration to others to follow their farming practices, thus the annual search for outstanding agricultural achievers. (Ruel M. Orinday, PIA-Quezon with report from Cristy Lucila, OPA-Quezon) |