TOFARM 2013 Awards : The Outstanding Farmers of the Philippines Recognized at the Ani ng Tagumpay

Wazzup Pilipinas!

TOFARM, a search and awards program launched last July by the Junior Chamber International Philippines (JCIP) and Universal Harvester Inc. (UHI) aims to refocus attention on the importance and viability of agriculture as an industry and vocation.

Rodolfo Benavidez, a farmer from Vinzons, Camarines Norte, who practices crop rotation, relay cropping, intensive planting and natural farming, was hailed Farmer of the Year, winning the overall grand prize of P100,000 plus a gold plate.

Benavidez won Gold in the Farmer category, while Rizalino Comia of Calamba, Laguna; Fredimor Pueblos Sr. of Lanao del Norte; and Isidro Bacani of San Gabriel, La Union, received Silver plates.

Gold Winners in the individual categories received P50,000 each while winners in the group categories received P100,000 each.

SECRETARIAT and REGISTRATION

JCI Philippines and Universal Harvester, Inc. (UH) Pay tribute to the BEST Farmers in various categories from all over the Philippines. UHI is a progressive Filipino company established in 2003 is involved in the direct manufacturing, local distribution and exportation of a number of world-class quality fertilizers.

fresh fruits, vegatables and flowers

Another feast for the eyes are the edible fruits, vegetables and flower arrangement within the venue. The arrangement serves as dual purpose, they add decoration at the venue and at the same time souvenirs for the visitors .

  Universal Harvester –One of the Leading Agricultural Fertilizer Producer and Distributor in the country

 

performer  greets  the people visiting the  awarding ceremony

The search and awards for the Outstanding Farmers of the of the Philippines – was launched in March 2013 to identify noteworthy achivers in the farming sector and recognize their achivements in food security , agriculture innovation, entrerpenuership , community service and scientific discoveries in the past year.

Board of jury and vips

Thirteen award categories, 16 special citations and a Grand Award for Farmer of the year. These are: Farmer, Young Farmer , Woman Farmenr , Fisherfolk s, Livestock, Urban Farmer, Agri- Innovator, Agri- Entrepreneur , Local Government Unit , Agri- Cooperative , Agri-Initiatives.

This year, TOFARM added the new category of WOMAN Farmer to recognize women who have played leadership roles in the farming sector and have made huge contributions by themselves in the fight to achieve sustainability and food sufficiency.

Cultural performance 

cultural presentation showcasing the different ethnic groups in the Philippines

Dr. Milagros Ong-How – Executive Vice-President (Universal Harvester , Inc.)

A minute of silent prayer for fellow Filipinos affected by Typhoon Yolanda ( Haiyan- international code) with background music and visuals.

“The Filipino farmer, My hero. Your hero, Our hero” So, let’s start today’s celebration. Once again, we honor the people whose hands and hard work produce the food that Filipino families partake at their table.

We honor them not just for what they have done for us… but for what they stand for…for what they symbolize in this country and in our life.  We honor them for inspiring us and showing us what is good and admirable in character of Filipino.  Ms. Milagros Ong-How (executive vice president)

 

Mr. Elueterio Indic and family  of Leyte 

Mr. Elueterio Indic  of Santa Elena , Tacloban City, Leyte managed to join the awarding ceremony . They got the biggest applaude from the crowd as the family accounts the tragic devastation that hit their home and their farm.  They were warmly received by Dr. Milagros Ong –How.

  Dr. Emmanuel Y. Angeles former CHED charperson is among the vips

Dr. Candida Adalla  former DEAN –College of Agriculture,  University of the Philippines- Los Baños

Dr. Candida Adalla  was the keynote speaker of the awarding program . Her vast experience in teaching , field works , international symposium and agriculture  made her  the the top choice.

Mayor Justin Marc SB Chipeco led a large contingent from Calamba, Laguna

Daughters of Mary Help of Christians

The congregation helps various indigenous groups like the Aetas of Pampanga and Mangyans of Mindoro in their livelihood program such as agriculture, aquaculture and live stocks.

 

Mr. Ravenal R. Quizon 

JCPI President Ravanzo said JCIP undertook TOFARM project to remind the youth about their role in the country’s future and for more sectors like women to be more involved in this traditionally men’s turf.

Mr. Rico A. Acuña from Quezon province

Mr. Rodolfo S. Benavidez

Northern farmers won the lion’s share of gold and silver awards (13 total) in the annual nationwide search for outstanding farmers conducted by the Junior Chamber International Philippines and the Universal Harvester Inc. Farmers from Southern Luzon (8), Southern Mindanao (4), Bicol Region (4), Bulacan (2), the Visayas (2) and NCR (1) also romped off with gold and silver awards in various categories.

The tilt was relaunched in 2012 by JCIP and UHI to give due recognition to the unsung heroes of the agricultural sector and to encourage more young farmers to take up farming as a profession and vocation.

Mr. Rodolfo S. Benavidez from Camarines Norte received this year’s “Most Outstanding “farmer.

Harvester Corporate Center
158 P. Tuazon Blvd., cor. 7th/8th Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City 1109

Trunkline: 995-8888 (connecting all departments)

Tel. Nos.: 421-2231 to 32 • 421-2234 to 43
                421-2201 to 02
Fax Nos.: 421-2223 • 421-4303

Plant 1: Carmelray Industrial Park II, Brgy. Punta Calamba, Laguna
Plant 2: 9002 Sitio B-1, Le Canlubang Industrial Estate Road,
             Canlubang, Calamba, Laguna

Universal Harvester Incorporated: http://www.universalharvester.com/

Contributed by : Lawrence Chan

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