BONTOC, Mountain Province, (PIA) –The provincial government here recognized its local entrepreneurs who have taken leadership roles in their respective enterprises and farmers practicing diversified farming system as a way of promoting sustainable agriculture.
During the recent founding anniversary program of the province, the Entrepreneurship Award was presented to Jennifer A. Rimando of the Ola Farms in Sagada. Other winners in the search for entrepreneur of the year were Evelyn G. Payacda of the Bila Rural Development Club in Bauko (2nd) and Concepcion G. Matias of the Majila Processed Foods in Tadian.
Aside from cash gift, each of them also received a certificate for continuously improving and embracing changes in their business and sustaining the same despite the odds and adversity in the business.
The winners were chosen based on the following criteria- innovative business model, community impact and corporate responsibility, resiliency, the capacity for personal growth, personal integrity, sustainability of business and inclusive growth.
Also awarded certificate of recognition and cash gift were farmers Donald Mapangdol of Otucan Sur, Bauko (1st) and Joseph Dao-as of Sagada (2nd) for their accomplishments and contributions as productive farmers practicing diversified farming system as a way of promoting sustainable agriculture.
The provincial government also recognized Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council (MAFC) as outstanding MAFC, the Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Council (PAFC) as outstanding PAFC, Ramon B. Calde of Bauko as outstanding Local Farmer Technician, and St. Williams Multi-purpose Cooperative of Paracelis as outstanding small farmers organization. These were Gawad Saka provincial entries who won in the regional level and the region’s entries to the national search in their respective categories.
The awards were handed by Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. assisted by Provincial Agriculturist John T. Likigan, and Department of Trade and Industry Provincial Director Juliet P. Lucas.
Meanwhile, one of the highlights of anniversary celebration was the Lang-ay Festival Agro-Industrial Trade Fair from April 1 to 8. A search was launched for the most compliant and best booths.
Adjudged as the most compliant booths were the Katagowan Weaving and Souvenirs, and the Chowarey Handicrafts for no history of violations of trade fair rules, products are manufactured locally and have training practices on compliant of terms and conditions of the trade fair.
The best booth was awarded to Sagada Weaving and Souvenir Shop, and the Bala’dang Handicrafts for maintaining presentable display of local products, improving their local products continually, and rendering quality customers service. They also have training practices and sustaining sales growth reports. (JDP/JBS-PIA CAR, Mt. Province)
