Various activities are lined up in celebration of the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month.
The said celebration is in consonance with Presidential Proclamation No. 33, declaring every month of May as Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month, the purpose of which is to commend the contribution of the farmers and fisherfolk to Philippine society and to the food security program of the government.
Currently, an on-going search for Outstanding Farmers’ and Fisherfolk in the region is conducted by the Department of Agriculture. Some 22 categories are being opened for this year’s Gawad Saka Regional Search for Outstanding Farmers and Fisherfolk. Among other categories are rice, corn, high-value commercial crops , agri-entrepreneur, farm family, young farmer , large and small animal raiser, and coconut farmer. Winners of the said search will receive a cash prize of P30T ,a plaque of recognition from the DA , and a chance to vie at the national level.
To address concerns in livestock genetic improvement, the DA livestock sector will be conducting an Artificial Insemination (AI) Congress on May 22-24, 2013 in Dumaguete City. Region 7 is recognized as a constant high performer of AI services nationwide.
Farmers’ , fisherfolk and rural women will be gathered in a downtown hotel to conduct the 23rd Regional Farm Family congress within the month. Different contests on rice utilization , poster-making, livestock and poultry processing, kakanin cooking, indigenous handicraft among others will be conducted.
Complementing the month-long celebration is the observance of Presidential Proclamation No. 434 otherwise known as the National Year of Rice (NYR). The four governors in the region have signified their support to the celebration by launching the logo of the NYR , creating activities to boost the morale of the farmers and advocating for all consumers to save rice. (RAFIS/Anna Delza Barimbao)
Highlighting the Regional Farm Family Congress is the cooking contest of the members of the Rural Improvement Clubs (RICs).