Tuguegarao City – DA RFO 02 โ Seventeen outstanding individuals, groups, and institutions from the Cagayan Valley region were honored as national finalists during the 50th Gawad Saka: Parangal sa mga Natatanging Magsasaka at Mangingisda Awards. Organized by the Department of Agriculture and dubbed as the golden anniversary, the agencyโs highest and most prestigious annual recognition for excellence in agriculture and fisheries served as the culminating activity of the 2025 National Farmers and Fisherfolk Month (NFFM) held on May 26, 2025, at the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) in Pasay City.
This yearโs Gawad Saka recognized a total of 101 national finalists for their outstanding contributions to agriculture and fisheries. It was more than a showcase of excellence and innovationโit was a celebration of the resilience, dedication, and impact of Filipino agri-champions across generations. Awardees came from a wide range of categories, including crops, livestock, fisheries, young farmers, extension workers, and agri-entrepreneurs.
Temporarily halted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the prestigious search was reactivated in 2025 through the leadership of DA Secretary Francisco โKikoโ Tiu Laurel Jr. From six categories and 23 subcategories in previous years, the revitalized Gawad Saka now features nine categories and 47 sub-categories, reflecting a broader range of exemplary achievements in agriculture and fisheries sector.
Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter, Director of the Agricultural Training Institute and Vice Chairperson of the 50th Gawad Saka delivered the program overview, emphasizing that the recognition goes beyond awardsโit celebrates the heart, commitment, and impact of the awardees in their communities.
โMore than a recognition of excellence and dedication. This moment is a celebration of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to advancing our nationโs food security and rural development. To our finalist โ congratulations! Your hard work, passion, and impact on your respective communities have not gone unnoticed. You stand a shining example of what it means to lead and serve through agriculture and fisheries. Your stories inspire a new generation of Filipinos to contribute meaningfully to the growth of our countryside.โ
Engr. Roger V. Navarro, DA Undersecretary for Operations and Agri-Fisheries Mechanization, Undersecretary for Rural Credit, and Chairperson of the 50th Gawad Saka delivered an empowering message, stating:
โThis event is more than just a ceremonyโIt is a celebration honoring the true heroes of our nation. The Gawad Saka is more than just an award. It stands as a symbol of our commitment, a recognition of excellence, and a promise, a commitment to a vital role of agriculture and in driving national progress and recognizing those who lead with passion and purpose and a promise to continue delivering support, reforms, and innovation that better serve the Filipino people.
โCongratulations, to all of you, your story is the story of the Filipino people. Your success is not just personal, itโs a victory of our sector and for our nationโ he said.
In his keynote message, Secretary Laurel extended his heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees, inspiring them with his words:
โAng Golden Anniversarry ng Gawad Saka ay pagkilala sa inyong natatanging katatagan at walang sawang pagsisikap upang sa bawat araw ay may maihahain sa hapag ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino. โBinalik natin ito ngayon para ma-recognize ang ating mga nagpeperform na magsasaka โ to be an example to others, and to be role models to our younger generations.
โThis yearโs reactivation of Gawad Saka is more than just a ceremony it is a renewed promise, a promise to honor not only the farmers and fisherfolks but also the researchers, public servants, and advocates to champion progress in our agri-food systems,โ he said.
He added: You guys wear many hats and carry greater hopes. You inspire, lead, and shape the future of our nation. It is my singular to stand beside such trailblazers, seasoned leaders, empowered women and a few generations of youth ready to transform the landscape of agriculture and fisheries from among you natatangi, the best of the best will rise. To the dedicated committees agencies, and partners who made this possible. Thank you for your unwavering support. Mabuhay ang makabagong magsasaka at mangingisda, isulong natin ang modernong agrikultura, para sa masaganang bagong pilipinas.
Cagayan Valley’s 17 National Finalists:
Crops Category
1.Outstanding Rice Cluster โ Small Water Irrigation System Associations: Cabuluan Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Alcala, Cagayan
2.Outstanding Cassava Cluster: Villaluna Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Cauayan, Isabela
3.Outstanding Sugarcane Farmer: Mr. Joseph L. Laggui, Sta. Maria, Isabela
4.Outstanding High-Value Crops Farmer (Vegetables): Mr. Zaldy Agustin, Alfonso Castaรฑeda, Nueva Vizcaya
Livestock Category
5.Outstanding Dairy Carabao Raiser (Family Module): Mr. Edy Allado, San Agustin, Isabela
6. Outstanding Dairy Carabao Raiser (Semi-Commercial): Mr. Reymon R. Abara, San Agustin, Isabela
Fisheries Category
7. Outstanding Fisherfolk (Aquaculture): Mr. Arnel R. Santiago, San Mateo, Isabela
8. Outstanding Fisherfolk (Capture Fisheries): Mr. Ronaldo L. Dugo, Dinapigue, Isabela
Institutions Category I
9. Outstanding Farm and Fisherfolk Family: Dacumos Family, Diffun, Quirino
10. Outstanding Rural Improvement Club: Sta. Maria Rural Improvement Club, Alicia, Isabela
11. Outstanding Small Farmer or Fisherfolk Organization: Sadiri Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Luna, Isabela
Agricultural Scientist & Researcher Category
12. Outstanding Agricultural Researcher: Ms. Vanessa Joy F. Calderon, DA-RFO 2, Cagayan
Agricultural Extension Category
13. Outstanding Agricultural Extension Manager: Ms. Hedie Arsenia R. Marquez, LGU Nagtipunan, Quirino
14. Outstanding Agricultural Extension Worker: Ms. Jocelyn Ackangan, Nagtipunan, Quirino
Cross-Cutting Category
15. Outstanding Agricultural Entrepreneur (Micro Enterprise): Cabanatuan Fishers and Farmers Association led by Ms. Hervy Garma, Cabanatuan, Isabela
16. Outstanding Rural Financial Institution (Bank): Cooperative Bank of Nueva Vizcaya, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
17. Outstanding Rural Financial Institution (Non-Bank): Diffun Saranay Development Cooperative (DISADECO), Diffun, Quirino
A response on behalf of the awardees was delivered by Mr. Rene Delos Reyes, Chair of the Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Council (PAFC) of Camalig, Albay, and National Finalist for Outstanding PAFC, delivered the response on behalf of the awardees. Mr. Aldrin Joey Almencion, Project Manager of Unified Engineering Workersโ Multi-Purpose Cooperative and National Finalist for Outstanding Dairy Cattle, also expressed their gratitude and commitment.
The closing message was given by Assistant Secretary U-Nichols A. Manalo, Assistant Secretary for Operations and Vice Chairperson of the
2025 NFFM and 50th Gawad Saka.
The final winners of the 50th Gawad Saka will be formally awarded in a separate ceremony at Malacaรฑang Palace this June 2025.
For five decades, Gawad Saka has stood as a shining symbol of excellence and a beacon of recognitionโhonoring the tireless dedication, resilience, and heart of Filipino farmers, fisherfolk, and agricultural heroes who drive progress in Philippine agriculture and fisheries through innovation, sustainable practices, and a deep commitment to uplifting rural communities and inspiring generations.
On June 29, 2025 DA RFO 02 will be celebrating the 2025 Regional Gawad Saka for its 36 Regional Gawad Saka Winner.
Story via Paul Buenavista
Photos by AFID, DA Central Office, Bryan Jimenez