2 Boholanos Grand Winners National Gawad Saka Search
Two Boholanos who have shown their passion and dedication in the field of agriculture have been selected as National Grand Winners of the 50th Gawad Saka: Parangal sa mga Natatanging Magsasaka at Mangingisda.
Pablita Cabarles of Manga National High School (Integrated-Diversified Organic Farming System Learning Site) adjudged as Outstanding Urban ana Peri-Urban Agriculture Garden (Micro-Garden), and Jomer M. Balag of Jolit’s Eco Garden and Integrated Farm in Cambacay, Batuan as Outstanding High-Value Crops Farmer-Vegetables Grand Winners.
Engr. Roger V. Navarro, Chairperson, Gawad Saka National Executive Committee sent a letter informing Director Angel C. Enriquez, Regional Executive Director Regional Field Office – Department of Agriculture (DA)-7 that the three finalists of the national tilt from region 7 to include the City Agricultural and Fishery Council-Bayawan City in Bayawan, Negros Oriental emerged as National Grand Winners of the prestigious search.
Engr. Navarro requested the winners to attend the 50th Gawad Saka Awarding Ceremony, to be conferred by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in Munoz, Nueva Ecija on Friday in recognition of their exemplary performance and significant contributions to the advancement and promotion of the country’s agriculture and fisheries sector. However, the confirmation of the exact time and other details of the activity is being awaited from the Office of the President.
They are required to accomplish the following: submit the photographs of the national grand winners in accordance with the prescribed specifications; confirm the name of one official companion and assisting technician (if applicable) for each national grand winner of which only one companion will be strictly allowed per awardee; and provide the required bank details of each national grand winners and their respective assisting technicians (if applicable) for the release of cash prizes.
Cabarles and Balag together with the La Suerte Vegetable Growers Association (LASUVEGA), in La Suerte, Pilar were the nominees in DA-7 from Bohol to National Gawad Saka Search. But after the Gawad Saka National Technical Committee (NTC) of the search had completed the table evaluations only Cabarles and Balag had been shortlisted as finalists for the province.
Thereafter, the NTC conducted the field validation last April 7-9, 2025 to interview the finalists and concerned officials of the Local Government Units (LGU). And after the thorough validations by the NTC Cabarles and Balag both landed top three and received their awards during the awarding ceremony held at the Philippine Trade Training Center, Pasay City last May 19, 2025.
They also received the awards during the Grand Parangal Regional Outstanding Agricultural Achievers Awarding Ceremony held at the Golden Prince Hotel in Cebu City last May 29, 2025.
Cabarles and Balag are now preparing to accomplish the needed requirements as they are waiting further details regarding the date and time of the awarding ceremony. By Atoy Cosap