By Marnette Daguro
IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay, June 1 - - The Department of
Agriculture (DA) recently awarded 10 outstanding farmers in the Zamboanga
Peninsula Region in time with the celebration of the 29th Regional
Farm Family Forum (RFFF) which was held at Marian College gymnasium in Ipil.
DA Regional Executive Director Eduardo B. Holoyohoy said the
2-day event gathered 300 delegates from 4-H clubs, Rural Improvement Clubs
(RICs) and farmers associations (FAs) in the region jointly conducted by DA and
the
Agricultural Training Institute (ATI).
With the theme “4-H @ 60: Looking Back from Humble Beginnings
and Moving to New Challenges and Opportunities,” it enlivened the spirit of
participants amidst economic difficulties and proved there is hope for a
brighter future in the farms.
A cash award of P25,000 (Individual) and P30,000 (Group),
certificate of recognition and a trophy were given to outstanding agricultural
achievers this year.
The winners, who will represent Region IX in the National Gawad Saka
Search 2012 in the different categories were: Outstanding Rice Farmer
(Integrated) - Annie E. Sitjar from Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur; Outstanding
Rice Farmer (Hybrid) - Raymund L. Teoganco Jr. from Mahayag, Zamboanga
del Sur; Outstanding Organic Farmer - Teodolo F. Badillo from Molave, Zamboanga
del Sur; Outstanding High Value Crop Farmer - Nestor C. Balolong from Piñan,
Zamboanga del Norte; Outstanding Fisherfolk (Fish Culture) - Roberto Ballon
from Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay;
Outstanding Coconut Farmer - Barsiliso F. Mabasca from San
Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur; Outstanding Farm Family - Rogelio Maata Sr. and
family from Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur; Outstanding Young Farmer Organization
- Monte Verde 4-H Club from Culianan, Zamboanga City; Outstanding Small Farmer
Organization - People’s, Officials, Employees, Community Multi-purpose
Cooperative (POEMCO) from Polanco, Zamboanga del Norte, and the Outstanding
Barangay Food Terminal (BFT) - Women’s Grand Alliance for Development
from Tabina, Zamboanga del Sur. (MD/DA9/PIA9/alt)