Regional Focal Person for the search, Ms. Patria T. Bulanhagui laid down the important dates to be followed for proper coordination with her provincial counterparts and provided the updated guidelines for the 23 categories of the search.

In her message, she acknowledged the important roles of the local government units, program coordinators, and APCOs in producing more entries for the region. “If it’s not for them, we may not have an entry at all since they’re the ones who actually do the search for these outstanding individuals and groups who made significant contributions in the development of the agriculture industry in our region,” Ms. Bulanhagui explained.

Administrative and Finance Division Chief Felix I. Ramos encouraged all the attendees to submit more entries and hoped that more entries from the region can reach the national level of the search.

Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) Chairman Pedrito R. Kalaw said that the council gives its full support to the search with the objective of producing more entries to the National Gawad Saka.

The meeting also served as a venue to share good practices in producing more entries among the provincial focal persons.

“Communication is the key,” Quezon Province Focal Person Cristy J. Lucila said. According to her, constant communication with the municipal agriculturists and agricultural extension workers keeps her up-to-date of the recent development in their province especially of who are the possible contenders for the Gawad Saka.

The deadline for the submission of entries for the Regional Gawad Saka Search 2018-2019 is on April 5, 2019. • RFL