President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday honored the country’s outstanding farmers, organizations, and communities during the Gawad Agraryo 2025, recognizing their significant contributions to the agricultural sector.
In his speech, President Marcos commended the awardees for their determination and resilience in overcoming challenges, underscoring their role in ensuring food security and sustaining the nation.
“Sa pagdiriwang ng Gawad Agraryo, binibigyang-pugay natin ang mga huwarang magsasaka, organisasyon, at komunidad na nagpakita ng sipag, tiyaga, husay, at pagmamahal sa bayan,” the President said during the event held at the Makabagong San Juan National Government Center in San Juan City.
“Sa harap ng mga unos, sila’y matapang na nagpatuloy—at ngayon, sila mismo ang nagsisilbing patunay na [sa] pagsisikap, walang pangarap na hindi kayang abutin,” the President added.
Out of 45 finalists, 17 awardees were recognized: 10 Most Outstanding Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), three Most Progressive ARB Organizations (ARBOs), and four Most Progressive Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs).
Each outstanding ARB received a plaque, medal, and PhP25,000 cash award in recognition of their productivity and commitment to their families, communities, and the environment.
The most progressive ARBOs and ARCs, meanwhile, were recognized for providing reliable services to their members, promoting sustainable development, and uplifting their communities. Each received a plaque, medal, and projects worth PhP70,000.
“Sa ating awardee : Kayo po ang huwaran ng
pag-asa. Kayo ang nagpapatunay na hindi natitinag ang Pilipino sa harap ng pagsubok. At kayo ang nagsisilbing gabay sa mga kababayan nating nais din magtagumpay kagaya ninyo,” the President said. “Maraming salamat sa inyong mga sakripisyo upang mapatatag ang pundasyon ng ating lipunan.”
President Marcos reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting Filipino farmers, citing the distribution of nearly 70,000 Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) and thousands of Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgages to free farmers of their debts.
In addition, the administration has delivered thousands of machinery and farming equipment to increase farmers’ productivity, lighten their workloads, and improve their livelihoods.
“Mga kababayan, magsisilbi sanang inspirasyon ang pagkikilalang ito upang ipagpatuloy natin ang laban para sa mas maginhawang buhay para sa ating mga magsasaka, mas maraming oportunidad para sa kanila at sa kanilang mga pamilya, at mas maunlad na sektor ng agrikultura,” the President said.
“Hangad kong ipagpatuloy ninyo ang pag-aalaga sa inyong mga lupang sakahan at pagpapalago ng inyong ani gamit ang aming handog na tulong ,” President Marcos added.
Launched in 2008, the Gawad Agraryo was established to honor farmers and organizations that have made remarkable contributions to advancing national progress and rural development.
Under his term, President Marcos has honored 35 individuals and organizations with Gawad Agraryo awards for their significant efforts in strengthening rural communities and enhancing the country’s food security. | PND
