BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Agriculture Cordillera (DA-CAR) through its Organic Agriculture Program showed its continuing support to the successful implementation of Republic Act (RA) 10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 in the region.
For instance, the region submitted 8 entries to the national search for organic agriculture achievers. 6 of the entries won as supporters and achievers of organic agriculture, namely: Catherine V. Buenaventura of Ifugao Province as the Outstanding Provincial Focal Person; Ms. Rowena A. Gonnay of Kalinga Province as the Outstanding Agricultural Extension Worker; Mr. Rogel A. Marsan and Family of Benguet Province as the Outstanding Farming Family; La Trinidad Organic Practitioners Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LaTOP MPC) of Benguet Province as the Outsatanding Small farmers Group; Municipality of Itogon, Benguet as the Outstanding Municipality; and the Province of Ifugao as the Outstanding Province.
Ms. Buenaventura received a plaque of recognition and a check worth P 50,000, Ms. Gonnay also received a plaque and a check worth P 30,000, Marsan Family received a plaque and a check worth P 300,000, LaTOP MPC was awarded with a plaque and a check worth P 500,000, Itogon MLGU also received a plaque and a check worth P 1,000,000 and the province of Ifugao with a plaque and a check worth P 3,000,000.
Through the provision of projects and programs of the DA’s Regional Organic Agriculture Program, Secretary Piñol stressed that the agency will continue its battle in promoting sustainable organic agriculture in the country. He highlighted the role of organic farming in hastening our people’s advance towards a healthier and more bountiful farming system and in promoting and sustaining our nation’s natural biodiversity.
The awarding ceremony of the National Organic Agriculture Achievers Awards (NOAAA) 2017 was held in Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City last October 24, 2017.
By Leny Mendoza