SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — For their contribution in sustaining a strong agricultural production in the province, the La Union provincial government honored its farmers and fisherfolk during the celebration of the Farmers and Fisherfolks month this May.
Some 33 farmers, fisherfolk and agripreneurs were honored during the "Aldaw ti Pammadayaw (Recognition Day)" on Monday at the La Union Convention Center here, according to the La Union Provincial Information Office in a press statement sent to The Manila Times.
Gov. Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David thanked the farmers and fisherfolk of her province for their resilience, solidarity and crucial role in boosting the economy and in attaining the vision of the province to be the heart of agritourism in Northern Luzon by 2025.
"May this recognition serve to uplift the morale of our local farmers, fisherfolk and agricultural workers. We at the provincial government firmly believe that they play such a significant role in ensuring the sustained prosperity of our local economy," Ortega-David said.
The province increased its rice production to 5.79 metric tons (MT) per hectare from 4.56 MT per hectare in 2023. This contributed to the remarkable performance of the province as the third fastest growing economy nationwide obtaining a 10.2 percent growth rate.
Recognized as Most Outstanding Farmers were Medardo Ordinario, Norberto Zabala Jr., Joselyn Estolas, Freddie Monis, Lapicto Bugtong, Nelson Tavas and Julius Caesar Dumaguin.
Awarded as Most Outstanding Fisherfolk were Dante Noces, Jose Dayap, Lorna Bautista, Jomar Hidalgo, Vivian Casuga, Arnulfo Velasco, Marcial Sobrepena, Delailah Lacadue and Rolando Rabang.
Recipients of the Most Outstanding Organic Farmer awards were Primo Balderas, Federico Rullamas and Florencia Mendoza. The Most Outstanding Agricultural Entrepreneur Awards went to 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. They received plaques and checks amounting from P10,000 to P40,000. "This award is not only my personal success, but a symbol of the collective victory of farmers in the province whose toil and labor persistently despite the challenges of the times," said Dumaguin, one of the most outstanding farmers
The celebration was centered on the theme, "Diligence and Fortitude: Offering of Farmers and Fisherfolk for the Provincemates."
Ortega-David, meanwhile, said that the provincial government will remain steadfast in its commitment to develop programs that will empower and help farmers and fisherfolk increase their productivity and improve their livelihood, thereby fostering development in the province's agriculture and fishery sector.
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