DA honors farmers and fisherfolk for critical role in national food security

To celebrate the achievements and contributions of farmers’ and fisherfolk in food security and nation-building, the Department of Agriculture (DA) recognized outstanding organizations and individuals who serve as invaluable partners in agricultural development during the closing ceremony of the National Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month (NFFM) on May 27, 2024.

“Kasabay ng pagpapasalamat natin sa ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda, pagnilayan natin ang kanilang pambihirang kontribusyon sa kadakilaan at kaunlaran ng ating bansa. Ang Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month ay panahon ng paggunita at malalim na pagpapahalaga ng katapatan at determinasyon sa ating mga pagsisikap bilang mga lingkod-bayan,” Undersecretary for Operations and 2024 NFFM Chairperson Roger Navarro said.

As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, Agrarian Reform, Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, Senator Cynthia Villar acknowledged the crucial role of the farmers and fisherfolk and reported updates on the important legislations that her team is facilitating.

In particular, she shared that the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act and the bill on the development and promotion of the livestock, poultry, and dairy industries will protect and make local producers more competitive.

Congressman and Chairperson of the House Committee on Agriculture and Food Wilfrido Mark Enverga also committed to ensure legislative support for the farmers and fisherfolk in a message read by DA Undersecretary for High Value Crops Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero.

For the 2024 NFFM with the theme, “Magsasaka at Mangingisda katuwang sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas,” the DA recognized the hard work and contributions of the following organizations and industry players:

• Bliss Lingion Multi-purpose Cooperative (MPC), represented by Chairperson Dante Dosayco, for the cassava development in Bukidnon;

• Mantibugao Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Farmers’ Cooperative, represented by Manager Evangeline Frasco, for the corn cluster management in Bukidnon;

• National Fisherfolk Director Lilia Nuño from Zamboanga City;

• Kalasag Multipurpose Cooperative, represented by Chairperson Arnold V. Dizon,