The province of La Union registered an increase in its rice production by 5.79 metric tons per hectare in 2023, contributing to the performance of the province as the third fastest-growing economy nationwide obtaining a 10.2% growth rate.
In celebration of this feat and in time for the Farmers and Fisherfolks Month this May, the provincial government recognized farmers and fisherfolk for their contribution in the sustained strength in agricultural production of the province.
Some 33 farmers, fisherfolks and agripreneurs were honored during the Aldaw ti Pammadayaw on May 27 at the La Union Convention Center, City of San Fernando, La Union.
Gov. Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David expressed gratitude to the farmers and fisherfolks of the province for their resilience, solidarity and crucial role towards boosting the economy and attaining the vision of the province to be the Heart of Agri-Tourism in Northern Luzon by 2025.
“May this recognition serve to uplift the morale of our local farmers, fisherfolk and agricultural workers. We at the PGLU firmly believe that they play such a significant role in ensuring the sustained prosperity of our local economy,” the governor said.
Named Most Outstanding Farmers were Medardo Ordinario, Norberto Zabala Jr., Joselyn Estolas, Freddie Monis, Lapicto Bugtong, Nelson Tavas, and Julius Caesar Dumaguin. Meanwhile, Most Outstanding Fisherfolk were Dante Noces, Jose Dayap, Lorna Bautista, Jomar Hidalgo, Vivian Casuga, Arnulfo Velasco, Marcial Sobrepena, Delailah Lacadue, and Rolando Rabang.
Recipients of the Most Outstanding Organic Farmer awards were Primo Balderas, Federico Rullamas and Florencia Mendoza. The Most Outstanding Agricultural Entrepreneur Awards were garnered by Rowena Ramos, Shirley Bernal, Josephine Culbengan, Emily Tucay, Valentin Dangpilen, Lopemae Hana Bautista, Jefte Dangalan, Timoteo De Guzman, Jose Laroya and Geneva Ganalon.
The awardees were assessed based on their initiatives and accomplishments that made a positive impact in their respective communities. The provincial officials conferred the plaques and checks amounting from P10,000 to P40,000 to the awardees.
“This award is not only my personal success, but a symbol of the collective victory of farmers in the province whose toil and labor persistently despite the challenges of the times,” said Dumaguin, one of the awardees.
The celebration centered on the theme, “Diligence and Fortitude: Offering of Farmers and Fisherfolk for the Provincemates.” As the celebration culminated, Gov. Ortega-David underscored that the PGLU shall remain steadfast in its commitment to develop programs that will empower and help farmers and fisherfolk increase their productivity and improve their livelihood, thereby fostering development in the province’s agriculture and fishery sector.
