City Government of Malaybalay never failed to support the agriculture sector of its locality since it was awarded as one of the “Outstanding City” during the Rice Achievers Award held at Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City last May 31, 2018.

The award is an annual event of Department Agriculture since 2011 and it obtains the full support and collaboration of the local government and farmer’s organization to attain food security.

Malaybalay has an agricultural land area of 32,536 hectares, 5,212 of which is the rice physical area.

For 2017, there was an increase of yield of 5.13 metric tons (MT) compared to 2016’s yield of 4.95 MT. This is because of different rice projects, programs, and activities implemented on wet and dry cropping seasons by the City Agriculture Office.

Malaybalay became one of the few, comprised of fifteen municipalities and cities recognized at the national level.

The City received a trophy and a check worth 1 million pesos awarded by Manny Piñol, DA Secretary and Senator Cynthia Villar, Senate Committee Chairperson on Agriculture and Food.

CGSO/Executive Assistant Romeo R. Lapeciros, Jr. received the honors in behalf of Mayor Ignacio W. Zubiri, along with City Agriculturist Remedios R. Sarzuelo, Supervising Agriculturist Vic Ian T. Alcontin, Senior Agriculturist Carlos H. Libot and Rice Coordinator Floridel F. Tinoy.

Outstanding Irrigator’s Associations were also acknowledged. Among the Top four Communal Irrigator’s Association in the country, Lalawan Abuhan Sawaga Simaya Irrigators Association (LASSCIA) also received a trophy and a check worth of Php 500,000.

Aside from provinces, municipalities and cities, IAs and SWISAs, the Agricultural Extension Officers (AEOs) who brought honor to the city were also recognized in a separate ceremony. Each Outstanding Agricultural Extension Officer received Php 20,000 cash.

The Malaybalay City AEO awardees are City Agriculturist Remedios R. Sarzuelo, along with Agriculturist Carlos H. Libot, Henry D. Alimpipinig, Serina P. Nano, Arnulfo L. Edralin, Ma. Christie P. Ronquillo, Regiema A. Manaay, and Samson S. Sorongon.

Rice Achievers Awards is an occasion not only for acceptance of rewards but an avenue to express gratitude to people and organizations supporting the farmers feeding the world.
– by: Gecel A. Quinquiño, City Agri Office