The MiMaRoPa Region bagged two (2) national awards during the Awarding of Outstanding Farmers, Fisherfolk and Coastal Communities (Gawad Saka 2017 and Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan 2017) at Rizal Hall, Malacanang Palace on April 5, 2018.
Mr. Dewey Albufera from Brgy. Pinagsabangan 2, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro was hailed as National Organic Agriculture Farmer and Ruben Gerance and Family from Punta Poblacion, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro was this year’s National Fisherfolk Family.
From being a draftsman, Mr. Albufera is now an organic agriculture advocate and a practitioner. He made an outstanding performance in discovering, producing and marketing of organic crops, livestock and poultry and fisheries making him worthy to be chosen as regional and national winner.
While Ruben C. Gerance (deceased) and Family was chosen as this year’s national fisherfolk family. They serve as role model to the rest of fisherfolk family that works together to improve the fishing industry in their community.
President Rodrigo Duterte personally handed over their plaque of recognition, certificate and Php 250,000.00 as cash award together with Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol and Under Secretary Ariel T. Cayanan.
Gawad Saka is an annual undertaking of the Department of Agriculture to give recognition to farmers, fisherfolk, and associations that showed outstanding performance in the field of agriculture in the country.
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan 2017 was also conducted to give award to coastal communities in the country for protecting and conserving the marine environment.
Also present to give support to the awardees were DA-MiMaRoPa Regional Director Antonio G. Gerundio, Occidental Mindoro Governor Mario Gene J. Mendiola, Sablayan Mayor Eduardo B. Gadiano and Regional Gawad Saka Coordinator Baby Clariza M. San Felipe and Integrated Laboratories’ Head Dr. Nanette Rosales.
