By Jing Villamente
Copyright tribune
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III on Friday led Gawad Agraryo 2025, honoring the country’s most outstanding agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), organizations, and communities under the theme “Repormang Agraryo: Binhi ng Kaunlaran at Tagumpay.”Held at the Makabagong San Juan National Government Center in San Juan City, the event highlighted government recognition of ARBs as symbols of resilience, hope, and rural progress. “To the awardees, you are the symbols of hope. You prove that the Filipino spirit remains unshaken in the face of challenges, and you serve as guiding lights to fellow citizens aspiring for success. Thank you for your sacrifices that continue to strengthen the foundations of our society,” the President said. Awardees and honoreesThis year’s awards focused on excellence in three major categories: Most Outstanding Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), Most Progressive Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Organizations (ARBOs), and Most Progressive Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs). Most Outstanding ARBs (10):Luzviminda Edna Cacanindin (La Union): for creating sustainable livelihoods from corn husksAlexander Josol (Leyte): from tenant’s son to cooperative pillarEmiliana Volante (Camarines Sur): from street vendor to agripreneurRuben Ragas (Agusan del Norte): farmer-scientist and organic farming modelEduardo Policarpio (Nueva Ecija): empowering farmers through science and technologyLuis Gamboa (Batangas): advocate of organic farming and climate resilienceCesario Cielo (Zamboanga Sibugay): leader in high-value cropping and community developmentAntonia Mohametano (Zamboanga del Norte): cooperative leader and diversified farming advocateMaria Cecilia Canada (Negros Oriental): farmer, entrepreneur, and public servantJocelyn Reyes (Bulacan): founder of a learning site and organic agriculture champion Most Progressive ARBOs (3):Guintapagin Agrarian Reform Cooperative (Iloilo): for discipline and innovationAgsirab Multipurpose Cooperative (Capiz): for livelihood services and resilienceMidsalip Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MIFAMCO) (Zamboanga del Sur): for transforming from irrigators into innovators Most Progressive ARCs (4):Binatog ARC (Ilocos Norte): for fostering unity and prosperityIsabela Settlement ARC (Isabela): for building infrastructure and agribusiness venturesAllen ARC (Northern Samar): for sustainable waste management and agri-entrepreneurshipAlamada Expanded ARC (North Cotabato): for transforming conflict into peace and development A testament to resilience and hopeEach individual awardee received a plaque, medal, and P25,000; ARBOs and ARCs received plaques, medals, and development projects amounting to P70,000 each.The President emphasized that the awardees demonstrate the transformative power of agrarian reform. Secretary Estrella added, “By honoring them, we honor the Filipino farmer and the enduring hope they carry for a better, more progressive countryside,” Estrella said.
