Gawad Saka
The prestigious Gawad Saka Awards is a tradition of the Department of Agriculture. A beautiful tradition that highlights the best agri-practitioners in the countryside. This tradition fills the need for role models as an instrument of progress in the countryside. In these difficult times, it is felt that we need these models more than ever. Even when the Gawad Saka awarding ceremonies was moved from its original date; I managed to attend the same because this wonderful tradition is a must for an agri-enthusiast like me. However, a nagging question comes to mind: what happens after the awardees go home to rest on his or her laurels? I feel the need for a mechanism to harness the talents of the awardees to a higher plane-that of reaching out to the community and helping that community to progress. He or she must be the catalyst for growth. Catalysts and role models who can be copied and replicated. The “gaya-gaya” system works well in this instance.
I take this occasion to congratulate Region [Is Dr. Gumersido Lasam as a champion advocate of Gawad Saka. I personally witnessed how he and his team worked and they are all truly impressive. Maybe he should think of infecting the entire island with his leadership given the success of the production of corn, rice and other commodities in Cagayan Valley. I saw Cecile and company but I did not have time to bond with them. Truly, I remember very well my visit to Region II and the outstanding achievers of their Region.
From where I sit, I see the outstanding Filipino achievers and wonder why we are still developing and rated high in the poverty index.
Maybe under the leadership of RED Lasam and his team, a plan can be drawn to develop a climate of sharing among the other Gawad Saka awardees. Maybe they already have one, and I am not aware of it.
We have more than too awardees for the past ten years. If each one will go out of his or her way to teach a neighbor, friend, family member of at least 12 persons per year, then a mechanism to reduce poverty and economic progress is on the ground. Come to think of it, catalysts are necessary to move the project forward. Sustained work of catalysts is important to success.
I always believe that knowledge kept is self-defeating. Knowledge shared is the obligation of everyone. Sharing one’s talents to others, especially industry and knowledge, can make a great difference.
In a few years, we will have thousands of Gawad Saka extensions that will make their winning relevant and contribute to nation building.
Calling on Secretary Yap and the DA leadership to support this project. An NGO-GO partnership will lead to a climate of growth and prosperity.
I hope that when I attend the Gawad Saka next year - we will see innovative forward-looking strategies in place.
Globalization hits all of us never before imagined. We are therefore challenged to do our best in whatever we do.
As I attend meetings of Task Force WAAR, NAFC Fruits and Vegetables, and other committees, I can feel the fast pace of work in the Department of Agriculture.
Our indefatigable Secretary is moving heaven and earth to move the agriculture agenda forward.
PGMA’s honoring the Gawad Saka awardees during the SONA shows the importance the government gives to agriculture.
Now that Congress is already working, I hope our memo to congress to which was published in this column last July, will entice our legislators give more budget to DA.
I also hope the legislative agenda like the ACEF extension will pass the legislative mill this year.
As in the past, we are hopeful and look forward to a better year for our farmers.
Thirteen years have passed since 1994 when globalization started. Agriculture bore the brunt and is still reeling from its effects. We hope that the next seven years will turn the developmental tide to one of progress and prosperity.
