SCIENCE CITY OF MUNOZ, Nueva Ecija—The 50th Gawad Saka Awarding Ceremony of national winners was successfully held on June 30, 2025, at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).
As the highest recognition conferred by the Department of Agriculture (DA), Gawad Saka celebrates the outstanding efforts of individuals and institutions in the agriculture and fisheries sector whose dedication, innovation, and leadership have made a meaningful impact in their communities. It likewise underscores the administration’s commitment to advancing rural development and uplifting the lives of farmers and fisherfolk–under the vision of a Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas.
This year, 43 national awardees across nine main categories were recognized. These include farmers, fisherfolk, organizations, and local champions whose contributions continue to drive growth and transformation in the agri-fishery sector.
Among the national awardees are 12 Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA) cooperators accredited by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI). These LSAs serve as farmer-led hubs for knowledge sharing, showcasing climate-resilient practices and community-based learning models. Their inclusion among the winners highlights the growing role of grassroots education and peer-to-peer extension in the country’s agricultural Development. To wit:
- Mr. Rey C. Duldulao, Poblacion, Luna, Apayao - Outstanding Small Animal Raiser Adopting Integrated Farming System
- Mr. Arnel R. Santiago, San Mateo, Isabela - Outstanding Fisherfolk (Aquaculture)
- Diffun Saranay Development Cooperative (DISADECO), Diffun, Quirino - Outstanding Rural Financial Institution (Non-Bank)
- Obligacion Family, Ligao City, Albay - Outstanding Farm and Fisherfolk Family
- Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council – Albay, Camalig, Albay - Outstanding Provincial/Highly Urbanized City/Independent Component City Agricultural and Fishery Council
- City Local Government Unit of Ligao, Albay, Ligao, Albay - Outstanding City LGU
- Manga National High School (Integrated-Diversified Organic Farming System Learning Site), Tagbilaran, Bohol - Outstanding Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Garden (Microgarden)
- City Agricultural and Fishery Council - Bayawan City, Bayawan, Negros Oriental - Outstanding Municipal/City Agricultural and Fishery Council
- Upper Sinayawan Farmer Irrigators Association (UPSFIA), Inc., Hagonoy, Davao del Sur - Outstanding Rice Cluster – Irrigator’s Associations for National Irrigation System (NIS)
- Macatabo Farm, Davao City, Davao del Sur - Outstanding Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Garden (Macrogarden)
- Ms. Victoria Motril, Tupi, South Cotabato - Outstanding Coconut Farmer
- Mr. Aldrin Q. Mamon, Tupi, South Cotabato - Outstanding High-Value Crops Farmer - Fruits
The awarding was also highlighted by the presence of His Excellency Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., who extended his congratulations to the honorees. “Congratulations sa ating mga sikat na mga magsasaka at mangingisda dahil kayo ang bumubuhay sa lahat ng ating kababayan. Kayo ang pag-asa ng agrikultura ng Pilipinas. Maraming salamat sa inyong sakripisyo,” the President said.
In the spirit of continued engagement, a farmers’ forum dubbed as “Ugnayan” was conducted after the awarding. The dialogue provided an opportunity for the farmers and fisherfolk to directly raise questions, concerns, and insights with DA leadership. President Marcos also joined the conversation.
Mr. Jomer Balag from Region 7, a high value crops farmer–vegetables asked, “Mayroon bang mga suportang serbisyo para matulungan ang mga indibidwal na magsasaka na makaangkop at makabangon mula sa matinding mga kalamidad at pagbabago ng klima?”
“Well, unang-una, kapag tinamaan ng bagyo at nasira ang tanim, depende kung nasan tayo sa season–kung maaari pang magtanim ulit. Kung pwede pang magtanim ulit, papasok na naman ang DA para tulungan kayong makapagtanim ulit. Pero kung huli na, bibigyan namin kayo ng suporta. Bukod pa roon, lahat ng tanim natin ay may insurance na–binibigyan natin ng insurance. Naiayos na natin ang mga ibat-ibang sistema sa DA, sa NFA, at hanggang sa local level, handa na tayo. Yung RSBSA, basta’t nakarehistro kayo sa RSBSA, kasama kayo sa lahat ng mga programang yan. Dahil nga sa bagyo, ang daming nasira. Pero kahit na maulit man yan, mas handa na tayo ngayon kumpara sa mga nakaraang taon,” said President Marcos.
The 50th Gawad Saka not only honored excellence but also strengthened the connection between the government and those working on the ground. Which is a reminder to the nation that its true strength lies in the hands of those who cultivate and protect its natural resources. Mabuhay ang magsasakang Pilipino!
#ishareknowledge #ATIiNspire #50thGawadSaka
