May 2011

A publication of the Department of Agriculture

SPECIAL ISSUE

Messages
Congratulations to all the recipients of the Gawad Saka 2009-2010. I join the Department of Agriculture in commending our farmers, fisherfolk, and organizations with outstanding accomplishments in the field of agriculture and fisheries. It is only fitting that we pay tribute to our heroes in the countryside, whose contribution to our countrys economy and food production stands unparalleled. Their commitment to national renewal manifest in their labor amid challenges brought about by nature and by market recession. This award is a recognition that our path to progress entails the continued development of our agricultural sector, and that the continuing efforts of our countrymen in the rural areas are crucial in our fight against poverty. It is my hope that the achievements of our Gawad Saka honorees will inspire more Filipinos to join our movement to rebuild our nation and revitalize our economy. Your support and the Filipino peoples yearning for change continue to steer us along the straight and righteous path to genuine reform. Let us, reclaim the glory of our nation under the daylight of transparency, accountability, and integrity. Benigno S. Aquino III President, Republic of the Philippines Isang maalab na pagbati at pasasalamat sa mga natatanging magsasaka, mangingisda, siyentista, samahan at iba pa nating katuwang sa kanayunan na nagtitipon-tipon para sa 20092010 Gawad Saka. Maituturing ang taunang parangal na ito bilang isang tagumpay sa larangan ng pagpapaunlad sa sektor ng sakahan at pangisdaan. Hindi lamang tayo nagkakaroon ng pagkakataon na kilalanin itong dakilang bokasyon sa agrikultura, napag-iisa rin natin ang lahat ng mga pagsisikap para makamit ang isang matatag na kinabukasan. Sa ilalim ng pamunuan ng Pangulong Aquino, makakaasa ang sambayanan na pag-iibayuhin ng Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka ang paghahatid ng mahusay, tapat at napapanahong suporta at kalinga na karapat-dapat lamang ninyong matanggap. Layunin nating siguruhin ang pambansang kasapatan sa bigas at iba pang pagkain, at paramihin ang mga Pilipinong umaasenso at yumayaman sa negosyo sa sakahan at pangisdaan. nang hindi nasasakripisyo ang kalusugan ng kalikasan. At kayong mga tumanggap ng pagkilala sa Gawad Saka ang inaasahan naming mangunguna sa kampanyang ito ng pamahalaan. Sinasagisag ninyo ang galing, katatagan ng loob at determinasyon ng isang Dakilang Pilipino. Kaya, ipagpatuloy natin ang ating pagkakaisa. Naway bigyan tayo ng Mahal na Panginoon ng panibagong lakas upang malampasan ang mga pagsubok na darating para sa katuparaan ng ating mga dakilang adhikain. Mabuhay ang magsasaka at mangingisdang Pinoy!

P-Noy, Sec Procy honor Gawad Saka Awardees

President Benigno S. Aquino III and Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala lead the nation in honoring the countrys outstanding farmers and fisherfolk or Gawad Saka awardees of 2009-2010, in simple ceremonies, May 23, 2011, at Rizal Hall, Malacaan Palace, Manila. The awardees are composed of 13 individuals and nine groups, led by 78-year old Efren Millare of San Juan, Abra, as the outstanding integrated
(Pls. turn to p11)

Proceso J. Alcala Kalihim

Integrated Rice Farmer

Efren T. Millare San Juan, Abra
Farm size and age do not matter. This was proven successfully by 78-year old Efren T. Millare or Tata Efren of Sitio Barbarsic, Bgy. Baug, San Juan, Abra who from a mere 1.35-hectare farm was able to produce rice and various crops, fish and swine worth more than P400,000 in 2010. Tata Efren, who has been farming for sixty years, adopts the Palayamanan technology, an integrated farming system implemented by DA through the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). He set up his farm in such a way that, in addition to his main crop of rice, he could sustainably produce corn, peanut, pepper and other crops. He has also allotted a space for a fishpond and a shed to take care of several head of livestock. Through Palayamanan, I was able to earn a gross income of about P400,000 in 2010, he explained in Ilocano. From rice alone, he earned more than P173,000 from two cropping seasons in 2009, despite the onslaught of typhoon Pepeng that year. He also made about P113,000 from livestock and tilapia raising, P35,000 from vegetables, and P7,000 from corn. Accustomed to farming a small lot, Tata Efren makes do of what is available. For example, he uses a mixture of animal manure, rice straw and other farm wastes as fertilizer and feeds his pigs kangkong and ipilipil leaves. For pesticide, he uses a liquid concoction of hot pepper or siling labuyo. Tata Efren believes its not how small or big a farm is. It is how well one manages any venture that makes the difference. Despite his ripe age, as he turns 79 on May 24, 2011, he still continues to farm. But he is passing on the legacyand the benefits of planting and the success that goes with itto his children and fellow farmers and ruralfolk in Barangay Baug, San Juan, Abra. Six of my children graduated from college and three finished vocational courses, he said, beaming with pride at the accomplishments of his children. I was able to send them all to school through farming, Tata Efren proudly declared in Ilocano.

formed it into an organic farm, aptly called The Masters Garden. His agriculture degree from the University of the Philippines at Los Baos (UPLB) came in handy. He improved the farms soil by incorporating compost, animal manure, sawdust, leaf moulds, and some organic fertilizer. Currently, he plants 10 to 15 varieties of lettuce, which is the farms main produce, taking 60 percent of the total farm area, of roughly 3,000 square meters. The rest is planted to other vegetables like carrots, broccoli, beans, cucumber, beets, tomatoes and cauliflower. Several plots are also planted to herbs such as tarragon, thyme, sage, oregano, rosemary, marjoram, dill, aragula, chives and coriander. His Masters Garden vegetables and herbs are now popular among consumers and Class A restaurants in Baguio, and nearby areas. The farm serves as a learning center and an agri-tourism destination, where Acosta shares his knowledge and experience with fellow organic enthusiasts and farmers and tourists, providing them with hands-on training on composting, seedling nursery and crop management. He extends technical training on organic farming to interested farmers at the barangay level without monetary incentive. He is among the key organizers of the Organic Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative in La Trinidad.

Hybrid Rice Farmer

Michael W. Lumas-i Tabuk, Kalinga
When the Department of Agriculture launched the Hybrid Rice Commercialization Program sometime in 2004, only a few brave souls took the plunge. One of them is Michael Lumasi, a 45-year old farmer who knew by heart the ins-and-outs of hybrid rice farming. Relying on his gut feel and vast experience in agriculture, Michael took a risk on what his co-farmers in Ipil, Tabuk City, Kalinga perceived as something new and planted hybrid rice on two hectares of his 2.5 hectare farm lot. Using the eight principles of PalayCheck System and farm management tips from the local agricultural technologists, Michael was able to increase his annual yield by five bags per hectare. When I shifted from inbred to hybrid, I wasnt sure what to expect, Michael narrates. Luckily, his gut feel was right. For the dry cropping season (DCS) of 2010, he posted a 12.75 metric ton yieldhalf a metric ton higher than his 2009 DCS harvest. Hybrid rice has brought me a lot of good things, he exclaimed. A father to six, Michael is happy that rice farming along with other income-generating farm projects has helped him send his children to school. Now, I am able to provide for their school requirements, he said. The family was also able to construct a house , buy a delivery truck, additional farm implements and home appliances.

Organic Farmer
Ambrosio Acosta La Trinidad, Benguet
In 1999, Ambrosio Acosta thought of developing a farm, where he could grow nutritious vegetables, using the organic way. Using some savings, he and some family members carved a sloping terrain in La Trinidad, near their residence and trans-

While instincts and technology brought Michael his newfound glory in farming, hard work and perseverance earned for him one of the most coveted titles in the National Gawad Saka the 2010 Outstanding Rice Farmer (Hybrid) award. This year, along with 21 other outstanding individuals and groups who have laboriously worked towards agricultural development, Michael is recognized not only for his feat, but also because of his contribution to the rice-sufficiency program of the governmentsomething that can never be taken away from him.

Corn Farmer
Jose F. Lorenzo Crossing Rubber, Tupi, South Cotabato
At a tender age, Jose Lorenzo started tilling his familys two-hectare farm, which has gradually increased to five hectares through the years. To fully enhance the farms productivity, he sought assistance from the Department of Agriculture and Japanese volunteers in the country from which he adopted techniques in cultivating upland corn and vegetables. To date, four hectares of the area is dedicated to corn, where he gets most of his income. He also planted high value crops like cauliflower, broccoli, eggplant, cabbage, tomato, bell pepper and corn. To further boost farm income, he put up additional facilities such as solar dryers, nurseries and composting areas, and acquired water pumps and power sprayers. In the 2009 cropping season, he grossed more than P400,000 from corn and vegetables. When El Nio hit the country during the first quarter of 2010, he saved his crops by investing in water pumps. As a result, he obtained an average yield of 8.9 tons of corn per hectare, while his vegetables also did well. Lorenzo said he always engages family members to help in various farm chores. He also hires neighbors as farm hands, thus providing them additional income. As an entrepreneur, Lorenzo makes sure there are ready markets for his corn and vegetable produce. Thus, he regularly supplies supermarkets like Robinsons Place and KCC Malls in General Santos City and a vegetable trading post in Koronadal.

Having been into coconut farming since 1972, he is actively involved in various coconut production and processing programs of the Small Coconut Farmers Organization (SCFO) in Antequera (of which he is the incumbent president), and of the DA-Philippine Coconut Authority like the participatory coconut planting project (PCPP). Through his participation in PCPP, he was able to plant 200 more coconut trees to his existing 350 bearing trees. He also maintains a coconut nursery for future expansion. In 2010, he earned close to P122,000. Mang Catalino, as he is called by fellow farmers and townmates, is also producing profitably several coconut byproducts such as bahalina or fermented tuba, which he branded as Catalino Bahalina Special Ordinario, which has become a popular drink in Bohol. He also produces vinegar for local consumption. But more than just coconut, Mang Catalino is engaged in integrated farming by mixing crops, livestock, and fishery in what is called diversified intensified contour farming system. Under this system, he planted the farms hillside contour with fruit trees like jackfruit, atis, avocado, mango, tambis, durian, cashew, rambutan, guava, papaya and pineapple. He also planted root crops like cassava and sweet potato, while pasture grasses are grown as forage for livestock. At the hilltop of his contour farm are animals like goats and native chicken that range freely. He also maintains a patch planted to several vegetables and herbs, and fishpond where tilapia, carps and Taiwan shell thrive. There is also a basketball court that doubles as a multipurpose dryer that he shares with fellow farmers. He also operates a 1.5-hectare rice farm, where he uses vermicast as an organic fertilizer from his vermiculture project. He sells the excess vermicast at P200 per bag. He also raises anthuriums. His farm has thus become a showcase, frequently visited by farmers groups, peoples organizations, and government workers, who observe various farming technologies and attend lectures and demos on integrated coconut farming. He actively participates and leads in the various agricultural projects in Antequera, being chairman of its Municipal Agriculture and Fisheries Council (MAFC). He is also an officer of the Bohol Provincial AFC.

Sugarcane Farmer
Florencia Cabautan Warat, Piat Cagayan
She started sugarcane farming in 1993 at an initial two-hectare lot leased from Hacienda Villacete, in Sta. Barbara, Piat, Cagayan. She adopted new technologies, starting with the use of modern high-yielding sugarcane varieties, and organic fertilizers like sugarcane mudpress. With this combination, she was able to produce bigger yields, reduce the total production costs, and earned for her higher income. During the 2009-2010 season, her farm produced an average yield of more than 85 tons per hectare, more than double the districts average of 33 tons per hectare. This was equivalent to 175 50-kilo bags of sugarcane, about thrice the

Coconut Farmer
Catalino V. Ordinario, Jr. Antequera, Bohol
Contrary to what his surname implies, 58-year old Catalino V. Ordinario is no ordinary guy. He has transformed a 4.5-hectare farm in Quinapon-an, Antequera, Bohol, as one of the countrys model integrated coconut enterprises. Special Issue

district average. Through the years, with her savings, she was able to buy adjoining farms, totalling to 23 hectares. Cabautan is both a full-time farmer and an office manager of the Cagayan Sugarcane Planters Association, Inc. (CAPSULA). Portions of her farm are planted to other crops like rice, yellow and glutinous corn varieties, and high value crops. Cabautan gained knowledge and skills by attending trainings and seminars on sustainable and profitable production of sugarcane and other crops. With her earnings, she was able to construct a decent house complete with amenities and appliances, and buy a kuliglig heavy duty tractor, a passenger jeepney as service vehicle of farm workers, a personal car and motorcycle. Her farm thus provides regular employment to townmates and those from neighboring areas. She was also instrumental in organizing in 1991, the Cagayan Sugar Farmers Cooperative, Inc. (CASUFACO). The group was able to acquire and avail of financial support and farm machineries from the DA and other institutions, which greatly improved the cooperative members farm operations, eventually increasing their sugarcane yield and income.

the fruits into pastries like cupcakes and cookies; recipes like lumpiang shanghai, siomai, salads and soups; and special dessert like ice-cream. She is also developing more areas for her plantation as she plans to process the fruits into wine and puree in the future.

Agri-Entrepeneur
Eduarda V. Ayo Capuy, Sorsogon City
She learned the intricacies of farming at an early age. When her father died in 1975, Eduarda Eden Ayo took over and managed the familys farm and rice trading business. While she finished college with a degree in social science, she opted to engage in farming, fulltime. Now, she manages the familys five-hectare rice farm in Capuy, Sorsogon, and E.V. Ayo Enterprises, a diversified farm inputs and products trading venture. It was not easy for her at the start, but attending trainings and seminars built up her knowledge and confidence. When she married Antonio Ayo, a soldier, Eden established EV Ayo Ricemill. However, she strove harder, all for the sake of her son, Aldrin, when Antonio died in a battle in Mindanao. And so, she expanded her rice trading enterprise to include copra, fertilizers, pesticides, and other farm inputs. She also invested in the production of quality palay seeds and hog breeding. Now, she has expanded her farm 30-folds to 150 hectares and maintains a lease on farmlands at nearby barangays. Currently, she allots 11 hectares for production of rice foundation seeds. Eden continued to make a name in the business world. She was accredited by the DAs Bureau of Plant Industry as a certified rice seed grower in 1992 and was formally recognized for consistently topping the list of accredited seed producers for 18 years in the Bicol region. She also obtained a license from the DAs Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority to operate as a fertilizer and pesticide dealer. At present, she has three warehouses for rice and palay seeds, copra and fertilizers. Her company has become a reputable quality rice seed producer. In 2008, her company produced 16,000 bags of palay, most of which was bought by the DA for its palay seed subsidy program. Hence, palay seeds from Edens rice seed production farms in Sorsogon have found their way in other regions and provinces in Luzon, including Palawan. In recent years, she has diversified into hog raising and breeding, establishing a 1,500 sow-level farm in Rosario, Batangas. It produces purebred pigs on contract growing with SMC Monterey. In 2008, her company assets totaled roughly P54 million. To this day, Eden remains humble, and serves as an inspiration to many who are as adventurous and enterprising as she is.

High Value Crops Development Program Farmer

Edita A. Dacuycuy Paayas, Burgos, Ilocos Norte
When Editha Dacuycuy graduated with a degree of BS Psychology at the University of the Philippines, and worked as Division Manager of an insurance company, it seemed unlikely that someday she will be called the Dragon Lady of Ilocos Norte. A mother of four, Dacuycuy came across the benefits of dragon fruit when a friend gave her cuttings of the cactus-like plant which the family planted in their backyard. With limited space, they started with only 15 posts. Since Dragon Fruit can be easily planted by seeds and stem cuttings, Dacuycuys orchard easily increased from 15 to 5,000 poles in just two years, arranged in rows in their 5-hectare farm. With her thirst for curiosity, Dacuycuy conducted many experiments, and discovered that pure organic fertilizer is best for her dragon fruit production. She also learned the technique of composting, and eventually produced her own organic fertilizer. Generous to share her blessings, she told other farming enthusiasts about the success of her endeavor and urged them to undertake the same. Under her leadership, they organized the Saniata Dragon Fruit Growers in Ilocos Norte where she was elected president. She was also nominated as Magsasaka Siyentista under the OPAG FITS Center on Dec. 2008. Her farm served as a demo farm for Dragon Fruit, and was always included in the itinerary for Lakbay-Aral while Dacuycuy, herself, became a favorite resource speaker in trade fairs, farmers congresses and information caravans. Today, aside from fruit production, Dacuycuy has dived into value-adding activities for her produce. She is now processing

Fisherfolk (Fish Culture)

Rodrigo Basallo Cataanan, CDO Misamis Oriental
A Certified Public Accountant and a plant mechanic by profession, Rodrigo Basallo was one of the pioneers to engage in the Balingasag Mariculture Park in Misamis Oriental, the first Mariculture Park in northern Mindanao. Believing in the potential of the fishery project, he motivated his friends, acquaintances and other investors to engage in bangus culture in floating cages during the initial year of the Mariculture Parks establishment in 2007. Rudy, as he is commonly known, invested without reservations on the establishment of two grow-out fish cage modules measuring 10m x 10m each made of bamboo structures and buoyed up with plastic drums. With his keen management and business acumen, his initial culture and successful harvests of bangus in marine floating fish cages proved his detractors wrong and instead have motivated and triggered a number of other interested parties to engage in the said project. As an engineer, Rudy experimented on the use of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) materials for the cage structures. Because of the success of his initial and subsequent operations, other investors entrusted to him the technical supervision and management of the six grow-out fish cages for bangus. Being optimistic of the bright prospect of the industry, he further ventured in the marketing of his own produce to various

retailers and fish traders of Cagayan de Oro City (CDO) and as far as Iligan and Valencia cities. He now supplies fresh bangus regularly to Robinsons Plaza and other supermarkets. To meet the demand of his growing business, he hired workers to harvest, package, and deliver bangus to fish traders and retailers. and bought the produce of other fish cages at the Mariculture Park. He and his wife also ventured into bangus deboning and sell these at his Greenwater Resort in Jasaan or at the KS Fast Food and restaurant at the Lim Ket Kai Center. But Rudy did not rest on his laurels, he again engaged in the growing of bangus fry and acquired a seven hectare pond in the municipality of Magsaysay as fry nursery and established 16 conditioning cages for fingerlings. Thus, making him attain another notch on the various aspects of fish culture that is growing and selling bangus fingerlings to grow-out fish cages. Since he ventured into the grow-out production of bangus in fish cages, Rudy has obtained an average production of 8.4MT of marketable size bangus per cage (at 100 sq m) per cropping at an average culture period of four months giving him a net profit of P784,696 with four harvest periods and no carry over of stocks from 2008 to 2009. Indeed, Rudy is a living example of the modified Chinese proverb that says Give man a fish, he will eat for a day. But teach a man how to CULTURE FISH and he will eat fish for the rest of his life. True enough, he has not only provided his familys daily needs for fish but supplied a number of people as well.

A fisherman for more than 30 years now, 57-year old Ramon Ka Ramon M. Grimaldo is considered as the big brother of fellow fisherfolk in Atimonan, Quezon. He fights for the rights of small fishers against large scale fishing operations. Similarly, he encourages fellow municipal fishers to be responsible, and strongly advocates the use of sustainable fishing gears like kitang, hook and line, and bottom set gill nets. Fisherfolk in Barangay Caridad Ilaya and nearby coastal communities in Quezon regard him as a model and follow his example. He shares much of his time providing support to various fishery programs implemented by the local government of Atimonan, in partnership with the DAs Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), such as the installation of artificial reefs, conservation of pawikan, mangrove reforestation and protection, and coastal clean-up. As an environmentalist, he is one of the countrys frontliners in saving the countrys marine resources for the future generation of Filipinos, a translation of their battlecry: Sagipin ang dagat, Sagipin ang bukas. But more than just fishing for livelihood, Ka Ramon is an active member of various organizations such as the Bantay Dagat, Atimonan Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC) and the Atimonan Fish Processor Organization (AFPO). Special Issue

Fisherfolk (Fish Capture)

Ramon M. Grimaldo Brgy. Caridad, Ilaya Atimonan, Quezon
As he expanded his fishing operation, he provided employment to six families who help him in his business, enabling them to operate three small fishing boats. Now, he is also into fish cage culture, production of tilapia and ornamental fish, and in fish processing and marketing, Ka Ramon is happily married to Raquel Grimaldo, with whom they are blessed with four children (three boys and one girl). His income from fishing has sent them all to school, a privilege which his parents failed to provide him four decades ago. Three of his children are college graduates, while the youngest is about to enter third year college. He said he treasures his 30-year experience more than a college diploma, as he is contended to go out to sea and fish everyday on board his banca Lady Gift, named after his only daughter Gift. During the Farmers and Fisherfolks Month celebration in May 2008, he was designated by the DA-BFAR as the Region 4-A Fisherfolk Director in recognition of his accomplishments and commitment to empowering small fisherfolk.

Large Animal Raiser

Leonora D. Jukni Purok Mangga, Bgy. Datagan, Pagadian City
Leonora Jukni started farming by raising goats, chickens, and native cows in her five hectare coconut-based farm in Barangay Datagan, Pagadian City. To improve her farm, she attended farmers meetings and various seminars and trainings conducted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the City Veterinary Office. In 2006, she completed all the needed requirements and joined the Danlugan Multi-Purpose Cooperative which qualified to the GMA Dairy CARES Program of the National Dairy Authority. Under this program, Jukni availed of four dairy pregnant heifers, and an additional six heads more in the middle of 2008. Eventually, she was processing dairy products at maximum production. To sustain the feeding of her livestock, she planted more pasture grasses in an adjacent lot. When the animals became ill, she used herbal medicines to treat them. She also used this method for mange treatment and deticking. Aside from her dairy projects, Jukni maintains a coconut plantation and a farm planted to trees like rambutan, mango, and guava which she fertilized with dried animal manure. In 2009, she netted more than Php 150, 000 from her integrated farm. The bulk of the total earnings came from milk sales accounting for more than Php 107, 000 while the rest from the sales of coconut products and various fruits. With enough savings, she was able to buy a milking machine and a motorcycle with sidecar which she uses in transporting fresh milk to her neighbors and other regular buyers. Her integrated farm now serves as a show window to other farmers and livestock raisers in Pagadian and other communities in Zamboanga. She was able to provide employment to dairy farm worker and volunteers who wish to train in dairy operations. She also provided dairy milk to pre-school children in their purok. Her dedication and involvement in government programs particularly in livestock raising contributed to the food security and sufficiency program of the Agriculture Department.

Philippine Council for Agriculture, Resource and Research Development (DOST-PCARRD). He practices a sustainable, organic livestock operation. He feeds the goats with his own formulation of shredded ipil-ipil leaves, copra meal, rice bran, molasses and salt. He said this mixture induces dairy goats to produce more milk, at three to four liters daily per doe. On the side, he also raises dairy and beef cattle, which are fed with the goats leftover forage mixed with copra meal. He collects the goats and cattles urine and manure, and use them as bio-pesticide and fertilizer. With earnings from the goat farm, he was able to buy an additional seven hectares, which are planted to ipil-ipil and madre de cacao trees. The leaves serve mainly as forage for the goats and cattle. He also bought two horses to help transport forage and farm products. Pastor Nietes also raises earthworms to produce vermicast which serves as organic fertilizer. He also sells earthworms to interested vermiculturists. For his efforts, his integrated goat and livestock farm earned for him close to P110,000 in 2008, which is a respectable income for his family (wife Saturnina and three children). As a shepherd, Pastor Nietes unselfishly shares his knowledge and experience with fellow livestock farmers and organic farming enthusiasts during livelihood seminars conducted by the DA and other private institutions. Further, he allows his breeder bucks to sire his neighbors does for free. He also buys from other farmers madre de cacao leaves as forage for his goats and cattle. Altogether, he has become a key player of the countrys small ruminant industry, being the vice-chair for Mindanao of the Federation of Goat and Sheep Producers of the Philippines, Inc.

Young Farmer
Elnard S. Ympal San Juan, Siquijor
Elnard Ympal of San Juan, Siquijor has proven time and time again that he is every bit outstanding as far as integrated farming system is concerned. After finishing a two-year course on Agricultural Technology from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Ympal started his own vegetable garden on top of a hill which he planted to cabbage, carrots, string beans, squash, and others. Soon, the upland farm was planted additional crops such as corn, banana and cutflowers, giving him an income equal to that of his vegetable production. Using his ingenuity and innovativeness, Ympal devised a drip irrigation system using recycled waste materials like empty softdrink bottles and nylon wires to make up for the water scarcity in his farm. Aside from this technology, he also improvised light traps for fruit flies, trellis for string beans, vermiculture, and organic

Small Animal Raiser

Hanani Nietes Manticao, Misamis Oriental
He may be considered as one of the countrys modern day shepherds, as Hanani Nietes shares not only the Word of God with fellow farmers and townmates, but also teaches them how to raise goats and cattle successfully as source of sustainable livelihood and income. A Seventh-day Adventist pastor, Nietes operates a model goat farm, composed of 60 does and 20 bucks (Anglo-Boer strain) in Manticao, Misamis Oriental. For his feat, he is declared as a Magsasakang-Siyentista by the Department of Science and Technology through the

fertilizers for his vegetables, corn and rootcrops and formulated his own pesticides using organic herbs and plants in the locality. To further augment his earnings, the young farmer engaged in poultry production as well as livestock raising with ten heads of cattle and 18 heads of goat. As an active youth leader in the community, Ympal at his very young age has shown great leadership skills influencing not only his neighbors, but his townsfolk as well, especially the youth to engage in farming.

Outstanding Family
Mr. & Mrs. Abias Rosalita & Family Valencia, Bukidnon

the two Rosalita daughters are currently working. The family attributed their success in farming through their cooperation and hardwork which helped their children pursued their college degrees Mirajen Rosalita, registered nurse; Decemm, BS Medical Technology, Novie Lyn, B.S. Pharmacy; Oct Chill, B.S.Pharmacy; and May Grale, B.S. Agriculture. Because of their strong agricultural background, the family members continued to receive numerous awards. Mrs. Rosalita was adjudged as an Outstanding Farmer in Bukidnon and was chosen as Barangay Agriculture Fishery Council Chairman of Lurogan, Valencia City and RIC Barangay president . Their youngest son, a 4-H club member, was a recipient of Japans Young Filipino Training program, and the Japanese Agriculture Exchange Council in the Asian Youth Leadership Program and awarded as Young Farmer for Gawad Saka 20012002. Truly, Mr. and Mrs. Abias Rosalita made outstanding agricultural practice a family affair.

Small Farmers Organization

Diffun Saranay & Development Cooperative Diffun, Quirino

Abias Rosalita migrated to Bukidnon in his teen years, met his wife Mercedes, and raised their own family. They were blessed with five children: three girls and two boys. From there on, the family depended on agriculture for their livelihood. At present, the family continued to till the land that Abias used to farm and rented another piece of property to address their growing needs. With the perseverance and industry of the family, they were able to buy the five-hectare farm they are tilling. The couple with the help of their children continued on discovering new farming techniques, one of which is integrated farming. They applied what they learned from agricultural workshops, trainings, seminars, farmers field schools, and school-on-theair programs sponsored by DA, other government agencies and NGOs. They optimized their farm production by venturing into other alternative sources of income like fish culture, handicraft making, food handling and processing, and livestock raising. Being innovative, the farm family used carbonized rice hulls and bones for soil inoculants, and cultured mushroom using tiki-tiki for early maturity. They applied Natural Farming Technology System (NFTS) by planting leguminous plants in almost 75% of their farm lot attracted pests which they control using organic extracts from plants and fruits. Post harvest losses from fruits were minimal as the family processed these into jams, pickles, purees and chips sold during trade fairs, town fiesta and in the provincial hospital where Special Issue

As in most groups, the Diffun Saranay Development Cooperative (DISADECO) went through the proverbial birth pains. It was organized in July 2, 1988, composed of 51 pioneer members, mostly small farmers from four barangays (Ma. Clara, San Isidro, Isidro Paredes and Bannawag), who put in P100 each and came up with an initial P5,200 capital. A few months later the group became inactive as several key officers resigned when they transferred employment and residence. The remaining members immediately reorganized the group and registered with the then Bureau of Cooperatives Development (BCOD), with the help of a non-government organization ,World Vision International, that invested an additional capital of P40,000. Six years later, in March 21, 1994, the group attracted more members from other towns, expanding its network to become the Diffun Credit and Development Cooperative. However, it opted to use its original name, DISADECO To finance its growing operations, the cooperative sought credit assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Land Bank of the Philippines. With its good track record, it also succeeded in seeking technical and logistics assistance from the Department of

Agriculture, that included a four-wheel tractor, village corn drying facility, bio-N mixing plant, warehouse, and drying pavement. In 2008, with enough savings, it was able to construct a P6.6-million two-storey DISADECO Farmers Center, with a training hall, dormitory and cafeteria. In December 12, 2009, it also put up its own grains processing center. Today, almost 23 years since its inception, the cooperative is profitably engaged in various agriculture-related enterprises: rice and corn production, processing and marketing, fruit production, hog and poultry raising, meat processing, fishery and trucking services. The cooperation also operates a farm supply and general merchandise grocery store and manufactures sash and furniture. More importantly provision of affordable credit to its members. In the near future, it plans to put up a feed mill and an organic fertilizer production facility. Aside from providing credit assistance to its members, the cooperative extends other services such as mutual aid plan, Saranay plan, loan protection and educational scholarship programs. It was also chosen as a Hall of Fame awardee of the Land Bank, under its annual Gawad Pitak, a contest among LBPfinanced agri-based enterprises.

productive lots, in turn, serves as a source of indigenous herbs to cure common ailments of their families. The RIC has also engaged in other non-agricultural livelihood projects like food catering, flower arrangement, lending and micro-financing, composting and recycling. Regularly, the members attend trainings conducted by various government organizations like DA, TESDA, DTI, DepEd and other NGOs, to increase their level of awareness and competence as active partners in the implementation of development and income generating projects in their barangay. At present, the Sinamar RICs Guided Homes project in every purok serves as a show window on good home management, and showcases the maximum utilization of available areas in the backyard for better productivity and additional income. In 2009, the group registered a net income of P437,749.82 or 70.94. With the income derived from their projects, the Club was able to contribute significantly to the construction of the Sinamar Norte Barangay Hall, which is now considered the bestnot only in the municipality, but in the whole province of Isabela. The group has also remained as an active partner of the government in the implementation of projects not only in agriculture but on all aspects of development making the municipality of San Mateo an Agro-Ecological Destination in the Region.

Rural Improvement Club (RIC)

Sinamar Norte San Mateo, Isabela

Young Farmers Organization

Catuguing Palayamanan 4H Working Youth Club San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte

Its not a mans world after all. This reality was proven by the members of the Rural Improvement Club of Sinamar Norte in San Mateo, Isabela (organized in February 12, 1962) who believed in the importance of mothers and women in society, and the value of proper nutrition and health care for all citizens. To empower its members, the group ventured in incomegenerating livestock projects particularly on poultry, duck, swine and goat propagation. They further ventured into meat, fruit and vegetable processing, like pancit balatong, chips making, and mungo flour making, whenever there is a surplus production in their area. They also planted crops like assorted vegetables, pineapple, ginger, cutflowers and cultured mushroom and established individual nurseries for the production of healthy seedlings that they distribute for members backyard gardens These

With the ongoing craze for high-tech gadgets and gizmos, farming proved that it can hold a group of young people together. Organized in January 2004, the Catuguing Palayamanan 4H Working Youth Clubs attempt to encourage the youth of the community to come together and venture into various agricultural and fishery projects was unsuccessful. But they did not lose heart. On August 27, 2008, the group re-organized with eight advisers and 51 active members and was granted a P100,000 fund by the Department of Labor and Employment. The financial assistance jump-started the organizations photo silk screen

printing project which in turn generated income that funded their farm projects in the fields of high value crops, fishery and livestock. With close to 400 seedlings from the Ilocos Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium and the Mariano Marcos State University, the youth of Catuguing engaged in Dragon Fruit production. They were also able to launch a 400 square-meter tilapia production pond in August 2009 with close coordination with the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) which provided the group 1,000 fingerlings. Four months later, they embarked on a goat dispersal project with the P50,000-grant from the DA-Agricultural Training Institute. The group purchased 16 does and a buck and attended trainings conducted by ATI to ascertain the success of the endeavor. Just recently, the Catiguing 4H Club went organic and produced their own vermicompost thru a Community-Based Composting Facility from DA, the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, and the PAO/Municipal Agriculture Office. The package includes a shredding machine, 15 kgs African Night Crawler, 2 pcs compost tea brewer, and P4,500 cash for the construction of 3 vermi beds, all worth P350,000. Individually, the members are engaged in cattle fattening and breeding and swine raising as well as rice, corn, vegetable and legume production for income and daily home consumption a feat more rewarding than any gadgets and gizmos you can find.

ment for Barangays Cali and Ver that will benefit a hundred farmers. Other significant projects of the MAFC include the establishment of tilapia grow-out in ponds, Modified Rapid Composting technical briefing and Field Day, information dissemination on pest management, distribution of certified palay seeds, and the municipal cattle and swine dispersal program. It has also actively engaged in many activities within the municipality that foster the advancement of agriculture such as the Agro-Industrial and Commercialization Trade Fair during the Ani Festival. Apart from these, Dingras MAFC has also extended efforts to conduct consultation-dialogues for farmers, and the distribution of rehabilitation inputs during calamities. Through the years, the Dingras MAFC has continued to strengthen its linkages and remain active in the community to keep its members educated with the latest agricultural technologies and information. These separate them from the rest of the agri-organizations in the country.

Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Council (PAFC)

Quezon Province PAFC

Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council (MAFC)

Dingras Ilocos Norte MAFC

The Dingras Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council has been a steadfast partner of the local government of Dingras in the promotion and development of agriculture. In particular, the Council has continuously worked with the Municipal Agricultural Office in disseminating, implementing and monitoring of the Department of Agricultures banner programs. In 2008 alone, the Dingras MAFC passed a resolution requesting the dredging of Baldias Creek at Barangay Guerrero down to Barangay Bungcag that seeks to service around 600 farmers. In the same year, the municipal government approved its request for the construction of a multi-purpose drying paveSpecial Issue

With their 23 years of existence, the Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council of Quezon Province has shown strong partnership, active and ef fective coordination and complementation with the provincial, local government units, national agencies, agri-based organizations and other nongovernment organizations and people organizations. Among the PAFCs notable projects and activities were: Outreach Scholarship Program for farmers and fishermens children; PAFC Newsletter/Quarterly Bulletin, which was instrumental in information dissemination and policy advocacy; organization of the PAFC-MPC to extend financial assistance for livelihood projects of the farmers and fisherfolk; and MAFCs operation. In terms of monitoring and evaluation, the Council has been effective in overseeing the implementation of different programs and projects of the Department of Agriculture as evident in the creation of Provincial Monitoring Teams under the Special Order No. 105, Series of 2009, which provides authority for AFCs to monitor DA programs, projects and activities. Likewise, the council has played an important role in the launching of coastal clean-up, tree planting programs,

mangrove reforestation, and conservation of fish and marine sanctuaries in the Province. Quezon PAFC is based in Pagbilao, Quezon, headed by chairman Guillermo James Argosino. It has 29 organized Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council (MAFC) in the four districts of Quezon: 8 MAFCs in District I; 4 in District II; 10 in District III; and 7 in District IV.

Barangay Food Terminal (LGU Operated)

MLGU of San Miguel Catanduanes

Outstanding Brgy. Bagsakan (Non-LGU Operated)

San Quintin Abra Federated RIC Inc. Villa Mercedes, San Quintin, Abra

The San Quintin Barangay Food Terminal (BFT), started as a small talipapa and later on became the pilot BFT in the Cordillera Region with the supervision of San Quintin Abra Federation of Rural Improvement Club (RIC). The project has employed eight of the RIC members to manage it. In the absence of municipal public market, this BFT serves as the major trading center in the municipality which caters 1,067 households of six barangays namely, Villa Mercedes, Poblacion, Tangadan, Palang, Labaan and Pantoc. All of the wage goods and other basic necessities needed in the community are available in this food terminal at reasonable prices. Pinakbet vegetables, fruits and pork are bought from the local producers and nearby municipality, while chopsuey vegetables come from Benguet Province. Other goods such as eggs, sugar, oil, other meat and meatproducts are bought from traders. Whenever there is a surplus of fish supply, the RIC members are also engaged in meat processing such as longganisa, tocino, and fish tapa which are then sold at the BFT. Likewise, the operators maintain the cleanliness and sanitation of the food terminal by observing proper hygienic food handling, daily cleaning of the area and proper waste disposal through waste segregation. It has also established and maintained strong linkages with the Local Government Unit and its different member associations in the delivery of basic services and community development.

Formally opened on January 7, 2009, the San Miguel Barangay Food Terminal (BFT) was the very first in Catanduanes, funded by the Department of Agriculture. In its almost two-year operations, the BFT has opened great socio-economic initiatives for the municipal government of San Miguel. The BFT operates daily, with a market day every Saturday, to serve as a trading center for small farmers not only from San Miguel but for those coming from neighboring barangays and nearby towns. It employs five personnel, excluding the officers that compose the BFT Management Team. The Management Team provides the BFT with a variety of commodities to meet consumer needs and preferences. As part of its sustainability measures, the BFT engages in the direct production of fish, swine and vegetables. Products from these ventures are sold at the BFT, while surpluses are either processed or sold to neighboring barangays and towns. Because of its direct production, prices of commodities in the BFT are relatively lower compared to prices in the local market or those of private traders. In keeping with the objective of the BFT, the LGU of San Miguel, Catanduanes is placing it among its priority concerns. From time to time, the LGU conducts ocular visits to the BFT to monitor its operations and inventory of goods to serve as basis in purchasing stocks. The operations of the BFT has also established intra-municipal linkages where the provincial employees cooperatives and other government agencies avail of goods at farmgate prices, protecting them from price fluctuations. Producers of agricultural, poultry, livestock, and fish products are now challenged to increase production and meet the growing demand spawned by buyers confidence. The BFT has thus proved to be a great boon to the economic upliftment of the countryside, and is expected to create enthusiasm for other barangays and municipalities to do the same.

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Muncipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC)

Tiwi MFARMC Albay

Organized in December 20, 1999, the Tiwi Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council has become an icon of determination and resilience in more than a decade of operation and service to the fisherfolk and their families in Tiwi, Albay, and has succeeded in every endeavor it took to help improve the livelihood of fisherfolk and the coastal diversity in the area.

With the councils vigilant monitoring and strict implementation of fishing laws, illegal fishing diminished by 90% from 200 incidents in 2002 to only 18 in 2009. As a result, an increase in the catch of the albacore, Thunnus alalunga or Iliwon by the local fisherfolk, was registered at 56.2MT as of September 2009, 75% greater compared to the highest catch in 2005 at 14.5 MT. Reports also showed an increase in fish catch from 1 kilo in 2002 to 5-10 kilos in 2008 , thanks to the regular patrolling and assessment of the Corangon Marine Fishery Reserve and Sanctuary in the entire municipal waters. Apart from these, three significant recommendations from the MFARMC were enacted as policy legislations by the municipal government of Tiwi. These are: the establishment of the Corangon Marine Fishery Reserve and Sanctuary, the codification of the Municipal Fisheries ordinance, and the integration of the Coastal Resource Management Plan in the Municipal Development Plan. The Tiwi MFARMC has continued to provide several sources of alternative livelihood for fishermen in the coastal barangays through the assistance of various government and private entities. In fact, the cassava production livelihood project provided 222 fishers a total of 84 hectares of production area. With all the achievements under its belt, Tiwi MFARMC has proven that having clear objectives and well-laid plans will take you a long way.

P-Noy, Sec Procy honor ... from p1

rice farmer. For their feat, the 22 winners will receive a total of P3.2 million in cash awards and agrifishery project grants, as well as respective Presidential Citation and Gawad Saka trophy. The awarding ceremony highlights the annual Farmers and Fisherfolks Month celebration, spearheaded nationwide by the Department of Agriculture, with the theme: Sa AgriPinoy, Asensoy Tuloy-tuloy. Tata Efren Millare, who has been farming for 60 years, integrates rice farming with vegetable and livestock enterprises, using an innovative and sustainable Palayamanan technology. From his 1.35-hectare integrated rice farm he earned a gross income of P400,000 in 2010.
Special Issue

For his feat, he will receive P100,000 cash, a Presidential citation and a Gawad Saka trophy from President Aquino and Secretary Procy Alcala. The other 12 national Gawad Saka individual winners will also receive P100,000 cash, while the nine group winners will get project grants, ranging from P150,000 to P350,000. All (shown at right) will receive a Presidential citation and Gawad Saka trophy. As part of their prize, they will go on a three-day Lakbay-Aral or study tour of model agri-fishery farms and research institutions in Luzon, sponsored by the DA-National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC). Expected to attend are 500 guests composed of farmers and fisherfolk leaders, local government officials, cabinet members,

honorable members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations and donors, representatives from the private agri-fishery sector and other concerned government agencies. Gawad Saka is an annual contest conducted nationwide by DAin partnership with LGUs, academe and the private sectorto recognize the continuing efforts and contribution to nationbuilding of farmers and fisherfolk, livestock raisers, and farmers and fisherfolks groups and organizations. The annual contest, which started in 1970, to date features 22 individual and group categories. The search starts at the municipal level, where model farmers, fishers and farmers/fisherfolk

groups are endorsed by their respective mayors to the provincial level competition. The provincial winners will then compete to represent their respective region. The regional contenders will finally vie for the national awards.

Sa

Asensoy Tuloytuloy
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gawad saka
2009 - 2010 awarding ceremonies
May 23, 2011, 2:30 pm Rizal Hall, Malacaan Palace

Programme
National Anthem ................................................... NIA-Region 8 Chorale Invocation .............................................................. DA U/Sec Bernadette Romulo-Puyat Welcome Remarks ............................................... DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala Awarding ................................................................ President Benigno S. Aquino III assisted by Sec. Alcala Response ................................................................ Efren T. Millare (Integrated Rice Farmer) Intermission ........................................................... Students from Mary Help of Christian School Calapan, Mindoro Oriental Introduction of the Guest of Honor .................. Sec. Proceso J. Alcala and Speaker

Keynote Address ................................................... His Excellency President Benigno S. Aquino III Recessional

DA A/Sec. Salvador Salacup Master of Ceremony