PASAY CITY, May 26, 2025 — Twelve outstanding farmers and fisherfolk from the SOCCSKSARGEN region were honored as national finalists in the prestigious 50th Gawad Saka: Parangal sa mga Natatanging Magsasaka’t Mangingisda, held at the Philippine Trade Training Center.
The annual ceremony, organized by the Department of Agriculture (DA), celebrates the resilience, innovation, and excellence of individuals and groups who have significantly contributed to the advancement of Philippine agriculture and fisheries.
Representing the region in both individual and group categories, the SOCCSKSARGEN finalists were lauded for their exceptional practices in various sectors, including high-value crops, aquaculture, livestock, and agricultural extension work.
National Finalists – Individual and Enterprise Categories:
- Victoria A. Motril – Outstanding Coconut Farmer
- Christian A. Castañeda – Outstanding Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Garden (Macrogarden Farmer)
- Dominic P. Paclibar – Outstanding Dairy Carabao Raiser
- Marissa T. Aton – Outstanding Agricultural Extension Manager
- Vefran B. Buaron – Outstanding High Value Crops Farmer (Plantation Crops)
- Aldrin Q. Mamon – Outstanding High Value Crops Farmer (Fruits)
- Arlyn Arreglado-Mandas – Outstanding Fisherfolk (Aquaculture)
- Kablon Farms – Outstanding Medium Enterprise
National Finalists – Clusters and Associations Categories:
- Bialong-Inas-Magallon-Dungoan Irrigators’ Association – Outstanding Rice Cluster (National Irrigation System)
- Midpapan-Balogo Communal Irrigators’ Association, Inc. – Outstanding Rice Cluster (Communal Irrigation System)
- Sta. Cruz Multipurpose Cooperative – Outstanding Dairy Goat Raiser
- Unified Engineering Workers’ Multipurpose Cooperative – Outstanding Dairy Cattle Raiser
Each awardee received a Certificate of Recognition from Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., who commended their unwavering commitment and substantial contributions to the country’s food security and rural development.
“We are here today not only to recognize your efforts but to honor your role as changemakers in the field of agriculture,” said Secretary Tiu Laurel.
Accompanying the SOX delegation at the event were DA-Regional Field Office 12’s Farmer-Director Florante Racosas and Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Engr. Abraham Onotan, who expressed pride in the region’s consistent excellence in national agricultural programs.
The recognition of these 12 finalists further underscores SOCCSKSARGEN’s vital role in shaping a sustainable and productive agricultural landscape for future generations.