Aklan agri-fishery council aims for national Gawad Saka awards

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

 

The Aklan Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Council (PAFC) is vying for honors in the national Gawad-Saka search for outstanding agricultural achievers.

The council was recognized as regional awardee for Outstanding Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Council by the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region VI during the Gawad Saka 2017 Search for Outstanding Filipino Farmers and Fisherfolk last May 29, 2017 in Iloilo City.

Provincial agri-fishery coordinator Vic Mae Laurdaus said Gawad Saka is an annual program of DA to recognize individuals and institutions for their considerable contribution to the country’s agricultural and fishery sectors.

Agricultural and Fishery Councils are established nationwide in the municipalities and provinces to promote private sector participation in  agricultural and  fishery development  through consultation, advocacy, planning, monitoring, program and project  evaluation.  

Laurdaus said Aklan PAFC was commended last year by the Regional AFC for garnering the highest number of issues and concerns solved.

“The council serves as an avenue for discussion by the partner government agencies to take appropriate actions and to solve problems of farmers and fishermen through adoption of resolutions,” she added.

Among the resolutions were PAFC's request to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to install culvert facilities along the road projects in Lezo, Aklan and to encourage the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) for the improvement of the irrigation services. 

The agri-fishery council also urged the BFAR to implement the “closed fishing season” policy for both commercial and municipal waters and pursued the 'adopt-a-mountain program’ for climate change.

It also recommended to the National AFC to replicate the Agrikultura Kaagapay ng Bayang Pinoy Program (AKBAY Program) to other farming households outside the targeted beneficiaries in the province’s 4th to 6th class municipalities. 

Last 2015, PAFC requested the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to provide the coastal areas of New Washington and Kalibo with patrol boats for the campaign against illegal fishing. 

Meanwhile, Lezo   Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Lezo, Aklan also bagged the small farmers cooperative category in the Gawad Saka regional level. 

The article was originally published by independent online blog Aklan Forum Journal. The unrestricted use in print or radio, publication and distribution of articles are allowed provided the original author and Aklan Forum Journal are credited.