The National Technical Committee (NTC) for the Gawad Saka search for Outstanding Farm and Fisherfolk Family visited Rocapor’s Farm and Learning Site (LS), a School for Practical Agriculture (SPA) located in Rosario, La Union. The visit took place on April 2 and 3, 2025, involving field validation, evaluation, and interviews with Mr. Rolando Rocapor and his family, his wife, Mrs. Cristina Rocapor, and their children, Robert and Joy Rocapor.

The evaluation, interview, and field validation are key steps in selecting the winner of the Gawad Saka award in the Outstanding Farmer and Fisherfolk Family category. The information gathered by the NTC will be presented to the board of judges for final deliberation.

Mr. Rolando Rocapor began his farming journey on a 6,000 sq. meter of land and has expanded to four hectares. Rocapor’s Farm has varieties of livestock, including sheep, goats, cattle, hens, and cows. The farm also has a wide range of crops, such as corn, cassava, and in their greenhouse, they grow cabbage, onions, tomatoes, and other local and highland vegetables. Additionally, a solar-powered irrigation system is used to water their crops and support their fishpond, which houses tilapia (cichlid fish).

Mr. Rocapor oversees the daily operations of the farm, while his wife, Cristina, is responsible for bookkeeping, cash flow, and other financial matters. Their son, Robert, manages the farm’s young corn production business, and their daughter, Joy, takes care of the livestock and the learning site.

Rocapor’s Farm is not only known for its production of different farm goods but also has become a vital partner of institutions to teach young farmers in their local community. The farm serves as a learning hub, providing training in agriculture, livestock management, and agribusiness. The Rocapor’s Farm Learning Site (LS), School for Practical Agriculture (SPA), is accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and has formed partnerships with organizations such as the Department of Agriculture (DA), Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), and other agencies, both public and private.

The DA NTC team is headed by Asst. Dir. Denise Solano from Bureau of Soils and Water management (NTC-BSWM),Jovette T. Almeda, Vice Chairperson (NTC-BSWM) and members composed of Rose Ann P. Leonor from Agricultural Training Institute (NTC-ATI), Ana Loreta G. Oliveros from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (NTC-BFAR), Revelyn G. Banquirig from Bureau of Plant Industry (NTC-BPI), Rhea D. Bautista (NTC-ATI), Angelica O. Casin (NTC-BSWM), Josah Lyn F. Colar (NTC-BSWM) and Van Joseph P. Manzo (NTC-BSWM).

They were assisted by DA-RFO1 staff, Ms. Loida P. Pacursa, Ms. Lorena A. Olveña, Ms. Princess D. Ragmac, and a representative from the Office of Provincial Agriculturist – La Union, Ms. Jane S. Llobrena and the Rosario Local Government Unit.