The Department of Agriculture (DA) honored 37 outstanding individuals, groups, and institutions for their exemplary contributions to Philippine agriculture and fisheries during the 51st Gawad Saka: Search for Outstanding Farmers and Fisherfolk.
Held at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City on June 29, this year’s awarding ceremony recognized national winners across seven categories:: crops, livestock, fisheries, institutions, extension, youth, and cross-cutting initiatives. Awardees included farmers, fisherfolk, agripreneurs, agricultural extension workers, organizations, and institutions whose dedication and innovations have advanced the country’s agri-fisheries sector.
In his keynote address, Senator Francis N. Pangilinan, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, emphasized that this year’s awardees have redefined success in agriculture by demonstrating that it goes beyond productivity to include community solidarity, innovation, resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and an improved quality of life for those working in the sector.
“You are the living proof that this vision is possible. You have shown that through courage, innovation, and solidarity, we can build agriculture, fisheries, and institutions that are not only productive but also just, inclusive, and resilient,” Sen. Pangilinan said.
Established in 1970, Gawad Saka is the DA’s highest recognition program for excellence in agriculture and fisheries. It honors individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and sustainable practices while contributing to agricultural development, rural progress, and national transformation.
Although the program was temporarily suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., revived the search in 2024, reaffirming the Department’s commitment to recognizing excellence in the agriculture and fisheries sector.
According to Antonieta J. Arceo, DA-Agricultural Training Institute (ATI ) Assistant Director and 51st Gawad Saka National Secretariat head, the resumption of the awards marks “an important step in strengthening the Department’s recognition initiatives,”.
DA-ATI Director Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter, who serves as Co-Vice Chairperson of the 51st Gawad Saka National Executive Committee (NEC), underscored the significance of the recognition.
“The Gawad Saka is a testament to our renewed commitment to continuously honor your outstanding contributions,” Recoter said. “Today is more than a celebration of your achievements; it is a tribute to your immeasurable love for our country and your invaluable contributions to nation-building.”
DA Undersecretary for Operations and Agri-Fisheries Mechanization and for Rural Credit Engr. Roger V. Navarro, chair of this year’s Gawad Saka NEC, likewise expressed confidence that the awardees would continue to inspire their respective communities and help transform Philippine agriculture.
“May this celebration also strengthen our shared commitment to building a more resilient, competitive, and sustainable agriculture–one that uplifts the lives of our farmers and fisherfolk and secures a better future for every Filipino. That’s why you are here—because you did something for your community and for the sector, and I hope you continue to make ripples of change,” Navarro said.
The 2025 Gawad Saka winners received project grants and cash incentives to support the expansion and sustainability of their respective agriculture-based enterprises, programs, and initiatives, enabling them to further contribute to the growth and resilience of the country’s agriculture and fisheries sector.
Crops Category
- Outstanding Rice Cluster-Irrigators’ Associations for National Irrigation System:
San Martin Main Canal Irrigators’ Association, Inc. (Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Region X) - Outstanding Rice Cluster-Communal Irrigation System:
Salaman Communal Irrigators’ Association, Inc. (Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, Region XII) - Outstanding Rice Cluster-Small Water Irrigation System Associations:
Aneg Small Water Impounding System Multipurpose Cooperative (Delfin Albano, Isabela, Region II) - Outstanding Corn-Based Farmer:
Danilo V. Cunanan (Arayat, Pampanga, Region III) - Outstanding Corn Cluster:
San Miguel Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, Region IV-B) - Outstanding Coconut Farmer:
Dennis C. Famadico (Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay, Region IX) - Outstanding Sugarcane Farmer:
Carlos M. Lanuza (La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, Negros Island Region/NIR) - Outstanding High-Value Crops Farmer-Achiever – Vegetable:
Ed Roderick V. Cañuto (Badiangan, Iloilo, Region VI) - Outstanding High-Value Crops Farmer-Achiever – Fruit:
Renato D. Dela Cruz (Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Region XII) - Outstanding High-Value Crops Farmer-Achiever – Plantation Crops:
Edna B. Norial (Lamut, Ifugao, Cordillera Administrative Region/CAR) - Outstanding High-Value Crops Cluster:
Mindoro Progressive Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro, Region IV-B) - Outstanding Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Garden – Microgarden:
San Nicolas Elementary School (Cebu City, Cebu, Region VII) - Outstanding Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Garden – Macrogarden:
OrganiKian Urban Farm (Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Region XII)
Livestock Category
- Outstanding Small Animal Raiser Adopting Integrated Farming System:
Randy O. Valerio (Bacolor, Pampanga, Region III) - Outstanding Dairy Carabao Raiser – Smallhold:
Castulo F. Parena (Carigara, Leyte, Region VIII) - Outstanding Dairy Carabao Raiser – Semi-Commercial:
Joseph Nathaniel E. Caguimbal (Rosario, Batangas, Region IV-A) - Outstanding Dairy Buffalo Cooperative:
General Trias Dairy Raisers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (General Trias, Cavite, Region IV-A)
Fisheries Category
- Outstanding Fisherfolk – Aquaculture:
Jalan Neil C. Moralit (Solana, Cagayan, Region II)
Outstanding Fisherfolk – Fish Capture:
Gina R. Ungsod (San Lorenzo, Guimaras, Region VI)
Institution Category
- Outstanding Farmer/Fisherfolk Family:
Rolando Rocapor Family (Rosario, La Union, Region I) - Outstanding Rural Improvement Club:
MAABET Rural Improvement Club (Taytay, Palawan, Region IV-B) - Outstanding Municipal or City Agricultural and Fisheries Council:
Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council-Itogon (Itogon, Benguet, CAR) - Outstanding Provincial/Highly Urbanized City/Independent Component City Agricultural and Fisheries Council:
Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council-Benguet (Benguet, CAR) - Outstanding KADIWA ng Pangulo Program (Agri-Fisheries Enterprise):
Calapan Labor Service Development Cooperative (CALSEDECO) Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, Region IV-B) - Outstanding KADIWA ng Pangulo Program Implementer – Local Government Unit:
City Local Government Unit of Puerto Princesa (Palawan, Region IV-B) - Outstanding Municipal/City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council:
Ajuy Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (Iloilo, Region VI) - Outstanding Provincial Local Government Unit:
Provincial Local Government Unit of Camarines Norte (Region V) - Outstanding City Local Government Unit:
City Local Government Unit of Laoag (Ilocos Norte, Region I)
Agricultural Extension Category
- Outstanding Agricultural Extension Manager – Provincial Level:
Gloria SF. Carrillo (Bulacan, Region III) - Outstanding Agricultural Extension Manager – Municipal and City Level:
Romel B. Calingasan (San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, Region IV-B) - Outstanding Local Government Unit Agricultural Extension Worker:
Noel P. Paz (Ligao City, Albay, Region V)
Youth Category
- Outstanding Young Farmer/Fisherfolk:
Lopemae Hana B. Bautista (Naguilian, La Union, Region I)
Cross-Cutting Category
- Outstanding Agricultural Entrepreneur – Micro Enterprise:
Three Sisters Homemade Banana Chips by Rowena Rivadeneira Globio (Santa Cruz, Marinduque, Region IV-B) - Outstanding Agricultural Entrepreneur – Small Enterprise:
Deloverges Agri-Farm by Raquel Deloverges (Bula, Camarines Sur, Region V) - Outstanding Agricultural Entrepreneur – Medium Enterprise:
HML Foods Corporation by Alfred Llaguno (Daraga, Albay, Region V) - Outstanding Partner Rural Financial Institution – Non-Bank:
Kilusang Lima (5) para sa Lahat Multipurpose Cooperative (Talavera, Nueva Ecija, Region III) - Outstanding Rural Woman:
Marichie H. Castillo (Delfin Albano, Isabela, Region II)
