THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture Regional Field Office (DA RFO) 8 turned over a total of PHP5,347,609.29 worth of agricultural interventions to different banner programs’ beneficiaries during the “An Pagrayhak: 2025 Farmers and Fisherfolks Month Celebration Culminating Activity” which took place at SPBSP Mary Ngo Auditorium, Campetic, Palo, Leyte on May 30, 2025.
The activity bannered the theme, “Makabagong Magsasaka at Mangingisda, Susi sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas.” During said turnover, the Rice Program provided one (1) unit each of four-wheel tractor amounting to Integrated Borseth Farmers Association of Alangalang, Leyte and Share and Care Farmers Association of Villaba, Leyte.
In addition, the Tacloban City Agriculture Office (CAO) and the Tacloban National Agricultural School (TNAS) received one (1) unit of greenhouse with solar-powered hydroponics system from the National Urban and Peri-Urban Program (NUPA). Moreover, the adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) bestowed one (1) unit each of hauling vehicle to Barangay Uban Women’s Association (BUWA) of Babatngon, Leyte; Matin-ao Farmers Association (MATFA) of Burauen, Leyte; AMIA Farmers Association (AMFA) of Caibiran, Biliran; and Cadaragan Integrated Farmers Association (CIFA) of Sta. Rita, Samar.
Furthermore, the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) also provided four (4) units of modified portable abaca spindle stripping machine amounting to Integrated Network of Samar Abacaleros (INOSA).
Meanwhile, during said culminating activity, DA RFO8 bestowed recognition to exemplary farmers who helped the said office in attaining food security in the region.
FFMC 2025 guest speaker
Hermenegildo R. Serafica of HR Serafica Plantation Corporation highlighted in his message that they were gathered not just to celebrate a profession, but to honor a way of life, saying, “Today, we gather not just to celebrate a profession, but to honor a way of life. A life rooted in soil and shaped by the sea. We are here to pay tribute to the enduring triumphs and legacies of our farmers and fisherfolks. The true life-blood of our beloved region.”
Farmers and fisherfolks national nominees and regional awardees for Gawad Saka Search and Search for Outstanding Rural Women were also bestowed recognition during said event. Three farmer cooperatives and associations were given recognition having been regional nominees as exceptional cooperatives and cluster. These are the Coconut Livestock, Rootcrops and Vegetable (CLIRVEF) Agriculture Cooperative from Biliran, Biliran; Ormoc City Corn Cluster Association from Ormoc City; and Balangkayan Agriculture Cooperative (BACO), from Balangkayan, Eastern Samar.
On the other hand, Rhodora Balez received a certificate of recognition as Outstanding Rural Woman.
Various stakeholders including three local government units and 18 farmer cooperatives and associations were also recognized for their steadfast commitment and support in the implementation of the department’s programs and projects. Farmer- and fisherfolk-beneficiaries of the DA’s line agencies such as BFAR and PhilFIDA were also honored and bestowed certificates of recognition. (By Gwen Maurillo/EV Mail May 26-June 1, 2025 issue)
