Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – Six agricultural stakeholders from Central Luzon emerged victorious at the 50th National Gawad Saka Awards held at the PhilRice Farmer’s Multipurpose Hall in this city on June 30, 2025.

No less than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. presented the awards to the six Region 3 farmers, fisherfolk, and organizations recognized for their significant contributions to the country’s agriculture and fisheries sector.

Among the 43 individual and group winners nationwide, Central Luzon honorees included Montey’s Food Enterprise as Outstanding Agricultural Entrepreneur (Micro Enterprise); Amanda’s Marine Products as Outstanding Agricultural Entrepreneur (Medium Enterprise); the Provincial Government of Bulacan as Outstanding Provincial Local Government Unit; New Rural Bank of San Leonardo (Nueva Ecija), Inc. as Outstanding Rural Financial Institution (Bank); RP Corpus Sales Enterprises as Outstanding Agricultural Entrepreneur (Small Enterprise); and Dr. Dionisio G. Alvindia as Outstanding Agricultural Scientist.

President Marcos was joined by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Regional Executive Director for Central Luzon Dr. Eduardo L. Lapuz Jr., and Operations Division Chief Elma Mananes in handing out the awards.

The Gawad Saka, launched in 1970, is the Department of Agriculture’s highest annual recognition for individuals, groups, and institutions that exemplify innovation, resilience, and dedication to the advancement of the agriculture sector.

In his keynote speech, President Marcos praised the vital role of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk in achieving national goals for food security and rural development.

“Thank you very much for your sacrifice. We know that the life of a fisherman, the life of a farmer is not easy, and it is very difficult just to make a living, to feed not only the whole family but also the entire Philippines,” he said.