NDA holds '2nd Gawad Dairy Awards'
The second Gawad Dairy Awards was conducted on May 27, 2021
via Webex and it was the first-ever virtual awarding ceremony that was
spearheaded by the government’s dairy industry arm.
Aiming to uphold dairy farming and to inspire existing and
prospective dairy players, the 2nd Gawad Dairy Awards was graced by none other
than its Administrator Marilyn Mabale together with DA Secretary William Dar
and Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food Chair Senator Cynthia Villar.
During her speech, Administrator Mabale said that the dairy
industry is currently facing challenges brought about by the pandemic. However,
she believed in the promise of a better and brighter future. “We need to
strengthen our health and immunity in order to fight COVID-19. The role of dairy
farmers is then particularly important since they provide immunity-boosting
fresh milk to every Filipino family’s table,” she said.
Mabale continued by saying that “With all these challenges
nowadays, there is no better way to handle this than to work together as one.
Congratulations to all the Gawad Dairy Awardees and may this serve as an
inspiration and extension of your excellence to others.”
Secretary Dar also delivered his words of appreciation and
insight. “The Gawad Dairy Awards would have not been possible without the
significant contributions of the dairy farmers in providing the Filipinos
quality dairy products," he said.
He added that through the government’s ongoing dairy development
programs, the DA-NDA looks forward to a future where farmers are happy with
their income from dairying; milk processing plants are run by capable dairy
technicians; and local consumers delight in the availability of affordable milk
right in their communities.
Meanwhile, Senator Villar shared her deepest gratitude to all
dairy farmers and players. “The NDA is one with the national government’s goal
to develop and strengthen the country’s dairy industry. It is such a great
opportunity to have this annual Gawad Dairy Awards so that all the efforts of
Philippine dairy farmers and entrepreneurs will never be forgotten," she
said.
Three Major Awards
NDA has presented three major awards during the virtual ceremony.
The “Farmer with Dairy Milking Herd with the Highest Average Milk Yield” was
awarded to Mr. Jose Tapay, Jr. of Lipa, Batangas.
Meanwhile, the “Farmer with Dairy Herd with Shortest Average
Calving Interval” was awarded to Mr. Benjamin Lao of Bansalan, Davao del Sur.
Finally, the “Most Prompt in Fulfilling Financial Obligations as a
Dairy Farm Partner” was awarded to the Provincial Government of Camiguin.
The 2nd Gawad Dairy Awards also presented 10 citations to
excellent dairy farmers and outstanding dairy entrepreneurs. The “Farmer with
Biggest Herd Size and Highest Milk Production in 2020” was awarded to Ms.
Milagros How of the Universal Harvester Dairy Farms, Inc. in Maramag, Bukidnon.
The “Farmers with Complete Recording System” was awarded to Engr.
Roger Navarro of Claveria, Misamis Oriental; Mr. Frank Lloyd Gargar of
Claveria, Misamis Oriental; Mr. Jayruvic Vicoy of Consolacion, Cebu; and Mr.
William Alin of Consolacion, Cebu.
Meanwhile, the “Indigenous People Engaged in Dairy” was awarded to
Mr. Rolando Melendez of Impasugong, Bukidnon; Mr. Melencio Lomanoy of
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon; and Mr. Joy Angcod of Impasugong, Bukidnon.
Also, the “Food Safety Compliant NDA-Assisted Dairy Farms” was
awarded to Mallig Dairy Farm in Mallig, Isabela and Unified Engineering Workers
Multi-Purpose Cooperative (UEWMPC) Dairy Farm in Polomolok, South Cotabato.
Each awardee was given the chance to deliver an acceptance speech and all of them received plaques of recognition and some tokens from the NDA. (DA-NDA/PIA-Caraga)
