Five agricultural extension officers (AEOs) of Malaybalay City were awarded as Rice Achievers for the year 2019. This was held at Provincial Operations Center, Bukidnon Office, Malaybalay City last December 17, 2020.

The five AEOs are Mr. Henry Alimpiping, Mr. Sherwin E. Blanco, Mr. Arnulfo L. Edralin, Ms. Cresencia A. Taguic, and Ms. Floredel F. Tinoy of the City Agriculture Office (CAO). Also, 18 agricultural extension workers (AEWs) and Local Farmer Technician (LFT) from the entire Region 10 were given the same recognition.

Director Carlene C. Collado, Executive Director of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 10 led the awarding ceremony wherein they were given Php 20,000 each to recognize their determination and efforts to support food sufficiency and agricultural development within their locality.

Out of 14 awardees in the province of Bukidnon, five were from the City. Dir. Collado, in his message, expressed that he is grateful that Region 10 has been constantly awarded in the annual RAA for several years and Bukidnon performed a great share where 14 out of 23 awardees came from.

The DA has provided different programs that support the rice industry with the aid of Local Government Units amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Dir. Collado then commended and encouraged the AEOs to continue as mandated to produce sufficient food not only in the region but also for the country.

On the other hand, Bukidnon Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Alson G. Quimba mentioned that Bukidnon has the region’s highest area of rice production.  The province is still motivated to sustain its rice sufficiency, which is currently at 145 percent.

Malaybalay, as one of the cities of the province with 5,187 rice physical area, stayed steadfast in achieving its goals through its competent agriculturists.

Source: Department of Agriculture RFO X

by: NADA-CAO, GECEL QUINQUIÑO OCON