I. Norte gets 3rd Rice Achiever Award anew

For the third time, the Province of Ilocos Norte was cited by the Department of Agriculture as one of the Agri-Pinoy Rice Achiever Awardees in the entire country for achieving rice sufficiency for the year 2015.

According to Dr. Luz Tabora, Provincial Rice Program Coordinator, Ilocos Norte’s rice production increased by 2.16% in 2015 compared to 2014.

She added that the province’s surplus production improved by 4.82% from 165.27% in 2014 to 173.23% in 2015.

Tabora disclosed that the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) will receive a cash prize worth four million pesos which will be used to fund agricultural programs in order to further help Ilocano farmers.

The award will be received by Governor Imee Marcos during the Agri-Pinoy Achievers Awarding Ceremony on this week in Manila.

A total of 15 Ilocanos, led by Provincial Agriculturist Mrs. Norma Lagmay and Dr. Tabora, will also be awarded for their significant contribution in attaining rice sufficiency in the province.

Launched in 2011, the Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Award aims to encourage the full support and participation of Local Government Units, Irrigators’ Associations, Small Water Impounding Systems Associations and Agricultural Extension Workers as well as to recognize their efforts and contribution in prioritizing rice-related projects, using quality seeds and appropriate technologies for attaining high rice sufficiency in the Philippines.

Through the PGIN’s flagship agriculture program dubbed as ‘Paspas Dur-as Biag ti Away!’ (rapid development in the rural areas), Gov. Marcos continues to enhance the quality of agriculture in Ilocos Norte by providing support to Ilocano farmers and improving farming practices across the province.

It prioritizes climate change mitigation by promoting hybrid seeds, distributing agricultural equipment to farmers and improving agricultural infrastructure.—(Jennifer T. Pambid, PGIN-CMO)