By Freddie G. Lazaro

San Fernando City, La Union (October 10) -- Ilocos Regional Development Council (RDC) Chairman Deogracias Victor "DV" B. Savellano mentioned the significance of proper applications of the agricultural and fishery technologies to ensure higher crop productivity.

Savellano, the incumbent governor of Ilocos Sur, made his statement during the awarding ceremony of the regional winners of this year's Gawad Saka contest held in Capitol Hall in San Fernando City, La Union. He was the guest speaker during the ceremony.

He disclosed that the winners of the prestigious agricultural awards were the models on the positive impact of program applications of different farming technologies that coupled with the support from the local government units (LGUs).

"We have implemented various programs and projects geared towards achieving agricultural productivity and sustainability. Our strengthened linkages with agricultural companies, the utilization of idle lands for productions, livestock development and the involvement of the farmers in the different activities and festivities further inspire our farmers and agricultural stakeholders to support these endeavours for their general well-being," he said.

Savellano congratulated the Gawad Saka awardees and he asked them to continue their efforts to attain economic and sustainable development through agriculture.

"To all the recipients of the notable awards, congratulations and continue to be a motivating mirror that could reflect your great efforts in excelling various domain," he added.

Among the regional winners of this year's Gawad Saka contest were the following: Claudio Agcoile of Alejo, Malasig, Vintar, Ilocos Norte - Outstanding Rice Farmer; Alfredo Nisperos of Cabaroan, San Juan, La Union - Outstanding corn farmer; Ricardo Tolentino - Outstanding High Value Commercial Crops Farmer; Moises Saladino of Zamboangga, Laoag City - Outstanding Large Animal Raiser;

Herbert Valdez of Pantar Sur, Balaoan, La Union - Outstanding Young Farmer; Family of Rogelio Ramos of Urayong, Bauang, La Union - Outstanding Farmer/Fisherfolk Family;

Anduyan Multi-purpose Cooperative of Tubao, La Union - Outstanding Farmer/Fisherfolk Organization; Vigan City Agriculture and Fishery Council - Outstanding CAFC City; Generosa Blas of Vintar, Ilocos Norte - Outstanding Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO); and Cecilia Sambrano of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte - Outstanding Agricultural Technologist.

Special citations award: Jeffrey Esteban of Barit, Laoag City - Oustanding Small Animal Raiser; and Bulbulala Rural Improvement Club - Outstanding RIC.

Three of these regional awardees are winners of the national level such as Claudio Agcoile - National Outstanding Rice Farmer; Alfredo Nisperos - National Outstanding corn farmer; and Vigan CAFC - National Oustanding CAFC City.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Regional Director Cipriano Santiago said the winners of the Gawad Saka were served as models to the students as these were eye-opener for them that there were money in agriculture.