SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ — Exceptional Filipino farmers, fisherfolk, and agricultural champions will be honored as national winners in the 50th Gawad Saka: Parangal sa mga Natatanging Magsasaka at Mangingisda, to be held on June 30, 2025 at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Nueva Ecija.
The awarding ceremony will recognize individuals and institutions whose dedication, innovation, and leadership have significantly contributed to the growth of Philippine agriculture and fisheries. Selected from the 101 national finalists previously recognized in May, the 43 national awardees represent various categories and sectors—including crops, livestock, fisheries, youth, agri-entrepreneurship, researcher, and extension—whose work has transformed communities and strengthened food systems from the ground up.
Organized by the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Gawad Saka national awarding supports the government’s thrust of promoting grassroots excellence and advancing inclusive rural development. It likewise underscores the administration’s commitment to uplift the lives of farmers and fisherfolk under the vision of a Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas.
As part of the program, an “Ugnayan” (forum) will follow the awarding ceremony. This will provide an opportunity for open dialogue between farmers, fisherfolk, and key DA officials. This engagement seeks to deepen the government’s connection with its stakeholders—listening directly to their experiences, insights, and aspirations—to ensure that policies and programs are responsive to the needs on the ground.
Now on its 50th year, Gawad Saka remains the DA’s highest honor for the agriculture and fisheries sector which amplifies stories of hope, resilience, and progress, led not from the top, but by those who till the land and harvest the seas.
