Ilocos Sur Wins ‘National Quality Corn Achiever Award’ Anew

For the second time around, the provincial government of Ilocos Sur wins anew the country’s most coveted “Outstanding Quality Corn Achiever Award.”

Under the leadership of Governor Ryan Singson, the provincial government received again the same award last year after posting an exemplary high-grade corn produce with an average of 2.24 metric tons yield increment.

During this year’s random sampling made by the evaluators from the Department of Agriculture (DA), the corn productivity of the province doubled and reached 5.8 metric tons.

Singson said this back-to-back win is a great achievement that was realized through the strong support of the provincial government, the DA and the local government units, with the commendable performance demonstrated by the farmers’ sector.

Since he started his term as governor of Ilocos Sur, Singson initiated several corn development programs in an effort to increase the production and raise the quality of corn seeds to be planted in the farmlands of the province.These include production support, provision of farm implements, irrigation and water system, farm machinery extension and training support, and even marketing support that could lead to high-quality corn produce.

“This is year’s success is also a challenge for us on how to sustain and even improve the corn industry. The cash award we received last year aided the farmers in their post-production through the purchase of several units of machinery. This year’s cash incentive will again be allotted to them. However, we will let our farmers decide on the kind of projects that would benefit them,” said Singson.

Ilocos Sur received the award during the 4th National Quality Corn Achievers Awarding Ceremony that was held recently at The Farm in Koronadal City, South Cotabato. Aside from the provincial government of Ilocos Sur, the local government unit of Sta. Maria also won the grand slam award under the third to fifth class municipality category.

Constance Botacion was again honored as Outstanding Provincial Agriculturist of the Philippines and Oscar Tobia as the Outstanding Provincial Corn Coordinator. Along with them were Grace Cardona and Diosdado Mendoza from the town of Sta. Maria as Outstanding Municipal Agriculturist and Outstanding Municipal Corn Coordinator, respectively.

Further, Ronan Tumbaga, and Oliver Quidangen from the municipality of Burgos were recognized as outstanding agricultural extension workers. Aside from plaque of recognition, the province received a P3 million cash prize for winning the national award. (JNDP/FG/PIA-1)