TACLOBAN CITY -- The Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office 8 (DA-8) concluded the monthlong Farmers and Fisherfolk's Month festivities through an awarding ceremony to honor and recognize the contributions of farmers and fishers as the country’s food heroes. The event was held at the agency’s Babatngon Experiment Station on May 31.

Some 22 individual farmers and fishers were recognized for their tireless efforts to produce food in spite of the pandemic and the rising prices of agricultural inputs. Another 22 farmers’/fishers’ cooperatives and associations were also recognized for their outstanding contribution in championing the agri-fishery industry in the region.

Meanwhile, 18 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) received their regional accreditation while five (5) farms received their third-party organic certification, and four (4) farms received their Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) Certification.

The activity also served as a venue for the DA and its agencies to turnover agricultural interventions to their clienteles. Fifteen (15) coconut farmers received their check incentives through the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), while three (3) FCAs received their respective 90HP tractors from the DA. The DA also recognized their constant partners and suppliers in their Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita activities.

To conclude the activity, the DA and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources expressed their gratitude to Engr. Miguel Pedroso and  Martha Cadano, this year’s Farmer Director and Fisherfolk Director, respectively. (DA-RFO VIII, RAFIS)