Isabela reaps 32 Reg’l Gawad Saka awards, emerges as Cagayan Valley’s agri powerhouse

The province of Isabela once again affirmed its status as the region’s agricultural capital after harvesting 32 awards out of 39 entries during the 2026 Regional Gawad Saka: Parangal sa mga Magsasaka at Mangingisda, conferred by the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 02 on June 26 in Tuguegarao City.

Representing Governor Rodito T. Albano during the ceremony were officials from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, headed by Sergio Galamgam, and the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, led by Dr. Helen Sevilla.

Among the awards received by Isabela was the recognition of the Provincial Government of Isabela as the Outstanding Provincial Local Government Unit, recognizing its continuing efforts in agricultural development and rural advancement.

The province’s award-winning entries showcased excellence across diverse sectors, including rice and corn production, dairy development, high-value crops, coconut farming, agricultural entrepreneurship, research and innovation, youth engagement, women empowerment, irrigation management, and agri-fisheries cooperatives.

Among the awardees were Mr. Floyd Domingo A. Manuel, Outstanding Dairy Carabao Raiser (Smallhold); Mr. Edy A. Allado, Outstanding Dairy Carabao Raiser (Semi-Commercial); Mr. Edwin Servan, Outstanding Dairy Carabao Raiser (Family Module); Ms. Hermelita Valdez, Outstanding Coconut Farmer; and Holy Trinity Agro-Forestry MPC, Outstanding Coconut Farmer Organization.

Also recognized were the Sto. Domingo Integrated School 4H Club as Outstanding Young Farmer/Fisherfolk Organization (OYFFO); Ms. Dulce L. Dela Cruz as Outstanding Agricultural LGU Extension Worker; 3 Sher’s Food Product as Outstanding Agricultural Entrepreneur (Small Enterprise); Golden Rural Bank of the Philippines, Inc. as Outstanding Rural Financial Institution (Bank); and the Cauayan City Agriculture and Fishery Cooperative as Outstanding KADIWA Program (Agri-Fisheries Enterprise).

The province likewise received recognitions for rice and corn development through the Sanggarian Irrigators Association Inc., Outstanding Rice Cluster for Irrigators’ Associations for National Irrigation System (NIS); Aneg SWIS Multipurpose Cooperative, Outstanding Rice Cluster for Small Water Irrigation System Associations; Cabanuangan Irrigator’s Association, Outstanding Rice Cluster for Communal Irrigation System (CIS); Villa Luna MPC, Outstanding Corn Cluster; and Mr. Benjamin E. Domingo, Outstanding Corn Farmer.

Recognized as well were the Santiago Amos Credit and Development Cooperative, Outstanding Small Farmer and Fisherfolk Organization; Ms. Marichie H. Castillo, Outstanding Rural Woman; Mr. Jeorel Jordz P. Saguibo, Outstanding Young Farmer/Fisherfolk (OYFF); and the Aurora Vegetable Growers Association, Outstanding High-Value Crops Cluster.

Awards in high-value crops and urban agriculture were conferred upon Barangay Nungnungan II, Cauayan City, Outstanding Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Garden (Microgarden); Mr. Ambrocio D. Juan, Outstanding High-Value Crops Farmer–Achiever (Vegetable); Mr. Larito V. Lamug, Outstanding High-Value Crops Farmer–Achiever (Plantation Crops); Ms. Marie Pauline G. Torio, Outstanding High-Value Crops Farmer–Achiever (Fruits); and Mr. Keesh S. Muylen, Outstanding Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Garden (Macrogarden).

The DA-RFO 02 also recognized Ms. Mercy A. Biala as Outstanding Small Animal Raiser Adopting Integrating Farming System; Mr. Jose Bad-ang as Outstanding Large Animal Raiser Adopting Integrating Farming System; MAFC Quezon, Isabela as Outstanding Municipal or City Agricultural and Fisheries Council; and ICCAFC Santiago City as Outstanding Provincial/Highly Urbanized City/Independent Component City Agricultural and Fisheries Council.

Completing Isabela’s roster of awardees were Mr. Gerico P. Gibe, MSc., Outstanding Agriculture Researcher; Dr. Artemio Martin Jr., Outstanding Agriculture Scientist; and the Local Government Unit of Cauayan City, recognized as the Outstanding City Local Government Unit.

The strong performance of Isabela at this year’s Regional Gawad Saka underscores the continued efforts of Isabelino farmers, fisherfolk, cooperatives, organizations, researchers, local government units, and agricultural stakeholders in sustaining the province’s leadership in the agriculture sector in Cagayan Valley. – Isabela PIO