TABUK CITY, Kalinga – National evaluators from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Central Office conducted a validation for the city’s national entry to the Gawad Saka Search for Outstanding Farmer (Fruits and Plantation Crops Category).
Mr. Enrique Dela Cruz, focal on the National High Value Crop Development Program on Coffee, and Mr. Marlon Manabat, focal on Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service, assessed the documents presented by Engr. Sunshine Genevieve Molintas from Brgy. Bantay.
The interview focused on her contributions to the development and production of coffee, a high value crop in the city through her 8,000 sq.m. QRS Farm and Kape Aralan Training Institute.
The national evaluators see Molintas, who won the regional search last January 2025 as a strong contender for the national recognition, with her accomplishments and dedication in the development and production of various high value crops.
The search for outstanding high value crop farmer achievers is part of the Gawad Saka, the highest and most prestigious award bestowed by the DA in the agricultural and fisheries sector. It uses three criteria namely farmer (character, discipline, commitment), farm (farm and crop management system, and biodiversity and sustainable practices), and social impact (contribution to community).
This award is given to recognize the contribution of individuals who demonstrate exemplary performance resulting to increased farm productivity, improvement in high value crop nutrient management and innovation in low post-harvest losses of crops. By Darwin Serion
