The three-day evaluation by the Department of Agriculture – National Technical Committee (DA – NTC) for the Gawad Saka Category: Outstanding Agricultural and Fisheries Council held from March 26 to 28 took place at the Agtutubo Conference Room in the City of San Fernando, La Union.

The event was a part of a thorough review to assess the performance and achievements of the City Agricultural and Fishery Council (CAFC) of San Fernando, which is among the top four shortlisted councils at the national level.

The goal of the evaluation is to gain more understanding of the council’s contributions to the development of the agriculture and fisheries sector in the city. It is a critical step in selecting the winner for the Gawad Saka Award, which honors exceptional councils that made an impact in boosting and improving the livelihoods of local farmers and fisherfolk.

The NTC team is headed by Acting Chairperson Vincent Chua, together with NTC National Secretariats Alpha Joy Fallescon and Rachel Macaisa from NTC – Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (NTC-PCAF), with members composed of Zaldy Masangkay (NTC-DILG-BLGD), Rica Dela Trinidad of NTC – Agricultural Credit Policy Council (NTC-ACPC) and Ren Prescill Untalan from the NTC – Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (NTC-ULAP).

They were assisted by Dr. Josephine Aben (Asst. Center Director, ATI-RTC I) and DA-RFO1 staff, Norman Patungan, Jerold Cabang, and Princess Ragmak.

Meanwhile, also concluded were the evaluations for Outstanding AEW Ms. Josefina Sacnit on March 20-21; and Agri-Entrepreneur (micro) Ms. Beverly Uyaan who was evaluated on March 25.

The respective PLGUs and MLGU- representatives of the evaluated nominees were present to provide assistance to the national evaluating committee all throughout the field evaluation activities.#