PGLU Recognizes Local Farmers, Fisherfolks Effort Toward Agricultural Growth

By: Vanessa Badua, GPC-OPAg; Marie Jae Anndre Fronda, PIO; John Elysar Martin, PIO | Photos By: PIO | Date: May 27, 2024


The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist has once again recognized 33 outstanding and dedicated farmers, fisherfolks, and agripreneurs in the province through the second Aldaw ti Pammadayaw held on May 27, 2024 at the La Union Convention Center, City of San Fernando, La Union.

With the theme, “Diligence and Fortitude: Offering of Farmers and Fisherfolk for the Provincemates,” the prestigious event serves as part of the month-long celebration of the Farmers and Fisherfolks Month or Bulan ti Mannalon ken Mangngalap that aims to honor their significant contributions and various innovations in fostering development in the province's agriculture and fishery sector.

The awardees for the Most Outstanding Farmer Award are Medardo Ordinario, Norberto Zabala Jr., Joselyn Estolas, Freddie Monis, Lapicto Bugtong, Nelson Tavas, and Julius Caesar Dumaguin.

For the Most Outstanding Fisherfolks Award, Dante Noces, Jose Dayap, Lorna Bautista, Jomar Hidalgo, Vivian Casuga, Arnulfo Velasco, Marcial Sobrepena, Delailah Lacadue, and Rolando Rabang.

Emerged as winners in the Most Outstanding Organic Farmer Category are Primo Balderas, Federico Rullamas, Florencia Mendoza while for the Most Outstanding Agricultural Entrepreneur Award were garnered by Rowena Ramos, Shirley Bernal, Josephine Culbengan, Emily Tucay, Valentin Dangpilen, Lopemae Hana Bautista, Jefte Dangalan, Timoteo De Guzman, Jose Laroya and Geneva Ganalon.

The awardees were assessed based on their initiatives and accomplishments that made a positive impact in their respective communities. The Provincial Officials conferred the plaques and checks amounting from P10,000 to P40,000 to the awardees in different categories.

In her message, Gov. Raphaelle Veronica "Rafy" Ortega-David expressed gratitude to the farmers and fisherfolks of the province for their resilience, solidarity, and crucial role in boosting the economy and attaining the vision of the province to be the Heart of Agri-Tourism in Northern Luzon by 2025.

"Ang napakaespesyal po na araw na ito ay araw ng pasasalamat at araw ng pagkilala para sa mga katulad ninyong mahuhusay at magigiting na magsasaka, mangingisda at agripreneurs… Sana po ay maging mas proud pa po kayo sa inyong trabaho. Hindi kayo magsasaka lang o mangingisda lang… kayo ay mga bayaning maituturing ng ating bansa." Gov. Rafy emphasized.

Julius Caesar Dumaguin, one of the outstanding farmers, expressed his sincere appreciation to the PGLU, "Ang pagkilalang ito ay hindi lamang isang personal na tagumpay para sa akin, kundi isang simbolo ng tagumpay ng lahat ng magsasaka na walang sawang nagsusumikap araw-araw para sa pag-unlad ng kabuhayan at sa ating bayan."

PGLU and Gov. Rafy remain steadfast in their commitment to providing support and programs that will empower and help farmers and fisherfolk increase their productivity and improve their livelihood.

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