OPA’s Agri Trade Fair and Gawad Saka Awarding advancing agriculture sector in Cavite
In line with its goal of advancing the welfare of Cavite’s agricultural sector, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), under the leadership of Engr. Anna Pamela Nova-Cruz, spearheaded the Agri Trade Fair cum Kadiwa ng Pangulo and the Gawad Saka Awarding Program on September 25, 2025, at the OPA Compound in Trece Martires City.
Around 30 exhibitors showcased a wide array of agricultural products and crafts during the Agri Trade Fair cum Kadiwa ng Pangulo, themed “Masiglang Negosyo at Maunlad na Kalakalan, Susi sa Pagkamit ng Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita.” The event aimed to promote an inclusive agricultural sector that enhances the productivity and profitability of farmers, fisherfolk, and agri-entrepreneurs in the province.
Meanwhile, the Gawad Saka Awarding, carrying the theme “Pagpupugay sa mga Bayani ng Agrikultura,” gave well-deserved recognition to outstanding farmers and organizations that have made significant contributions to the sector.
Gracing the event with their presence were Hon. Jasmin Angelli Maligaya Bautista, 7th District Board Member and Committee Chair on Agriculture and Agrarian Reform, Nutrition and Population; Mr. Ferdinand Belamide, Chief of Staff of the Governor; Engr. Gilbert Gandia, Provincial Administrator; and Dr. May Magno, Provincial Veterinarian, alongside the heads and representatives of partner agencies composed of Provincial Director Lilibeth Chavez of the Department of Trade and Industry – Cavite; Ms. Hanna Rodil of the Agriculture Program Coordinating Office; Ms. Janine Cailo of Agriculture Training institute; and Mr. Jomer Ivan Villanueva of the Department of Interior and Local Government – Cavite.
Board Member Jasmin Maligaya remarked that the Gawad Saka demonstrates the invaluable contributions of the farmers and fisherfolk in ensuring food security and sustainable economy across the province.
Various individuals and organizations were recognized including Mr. Ernie S. Somogod for being an Outstanding High Value Crops Farmer; Ms. Elizabeth S. Lopez as an Outstanding Rural Woman; Ms. Ivy Rose A. Diones for being an Outstanding Agricultural Extension Worker, Mr. Kizirwin T. Salcedo and Ms. Kris Joy A. Credo for their invaluable support; Kaysuyo Farmer’s Association and the Municipalities of Alfonso, Silang, and Magallanes for their active participation.
In addition, cities and municipalities in Cavite were awarded with various seedlings and fingerlings. The awardees were composed of the Municipalities of Mendez, Indang, Alfonso, General Mariano Alvarez, General Emilio Aguinaldo, Magallanes, Maragondon, Naic, Silang, and Tanza; and the Cities of Carmona, Dasmariñas, General Trias, Tagaytay, Trece Martires, and Imus.
The Agri Trade Fair and Gawad Saka Awarding stand as a testament to the Provincial Government of Cavite’s unwavering commitment to providing opportunities for growth and sustainability in the agriculture sector, under the leadership of Governor Abeng Remulla. — J. Reyes
