PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTER, PASAY CITY โ The Department of Agriculture (DA) honored 37 outstanding individuals, groups, and institutions in agriculture and fisheries during the 51st Gawad Saka held on June 29 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.
Gawad Saka is an annual nationwide search conducted by the DA in partnership with LGUs, recognizing the unwavering commitment of Filipino farmers, fisherfolk, and agri-fishery champions whose efforts ensure food security and contribute to socio-economic development in rural communities.
As the DAโs most prestigious and sole official award-giving program, Gawad Saka has served as a key recognition mechanism supporting the Departmentโs initiatives toward sustainable and positive outcomes for Filipino communities. Launched in 1970 as the Search for Outstanding Farmers of the Year, it has evolved into a nationwide program that has recognized 814 individuals and organizations for their exemplary contributions to Philippine agriculture.
The annual search highlights farmers, fisherfolk, livestock raisers, agricultural workers, organizations, institutions, and public servants in the agri-fisheries sector who demonstrate excellence, innovation, determination, commitment, and service. It also recognizes their continuous efforts to innovate and adapt to the evolving agricultural landscape, helping build a strong foundation for long-term development. This aligns with the DAโs strengthened programs on food security, sufficiency, and sustainability.
The 51st Search featured eight (8) categories and 47 subcategories across crops, livestock, fisheries, youth, research, extension, institutions, and cross-cutting initiatives. The selection process began at the municipal or city level, where model farmers, fisherfolk, organizations, and institutions were endorsed to the provincial level. Provincial winners advanced to the regional level, where contenders were shortlisted and validated before the final national selection.
From this rigorous process, 37 national awardees were recognized and each received project grants and cash incentives ranging from โฑ180,000 to โฑ2 million to support the expansion of their agri-fishery initiatives.
Now in its 51st year, Gawad Saka continued to celebrate excellence in Philippine agriculture and fisheries by honoring those who tirelessly cultivated the land and seas in support of a Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas.
