Farmers get recognition, 

support at Bohol rice festival

By Elvira C. Bongosia

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — Boholano farmers who keep rice on family tables took center stage as the province honored them, along with agricultural workers and local agriculturists, at a festival that also rolled out new support for agriculture and fisheries.

The joint National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) and Rice Festival Farmers’ Big Day was held Nov. 22, 2025, at the Garcia Hernandez Gymnasium in the municipality of Garcia Hernandez.

The event recognized farmers, agricultural extension workers, and municipal agriculturists for their role in producing food for Bohol and the rest of the country.

“This celebration gathers all the individuals who keep our plates full of rice every single day, isip atong pasalamat sa walay puas nila nga pagpaningkamot ug serbisyo para sa katawhang Bol-anon,” Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado said, honoring the essential role of Boholano farmers.

(This celebration gathers all the individuals who keep our plates full of rice every single day, as our gratitude for their tireless efforts and service to the people of Bohol.)

Aumentado underscored the provincial government’s steady support for the agriculture sector.

“Since the first day of our administration, we have always stood by your side. Pinaagi sa mga programa sama sa mechanization, irrigation, trainings, ug increased market access, lakip na ang atong Palay Buyback Project ubos sa Bugas Bol-anon brand, among gipabati kaninyo nga seryoso kita sa tumong nga mapa-uswag pa ang sektor sa agrikultura,” Aumentado said.

(Through programs such as mechanization, irrigation, training, and increased market access, including our Palay Buyback Project under the Bugas Bol-anon brand, we have shown that we are serious about further developing the agriculture sector.)

The governor assured farmers of continued full support from the provincial government under his leadership.

During the program, organizers recognized the winners of the Suhid sa Malampusong Mag-uumang Bol-anon, the top 10 yielders in hybrid rice production, and the top 10 highest yielders in inbred rice production.

Additional awards were given under the Vegetable Corridors: Bol-anong Busog ug Himsog Program.

The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) also turned over seven high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fish cages, fish feeds, and seaweed inputs to 10 people’s organizations.

Vegetable corridor farm inputs were likewise awarded to the municipalities of Valencia, Garcia Hernandez, Jagna, Duero, Guindulman, and Sierra Bullones.

In his keynote address, Sen. Francisco ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan highlighted the need to value farmers in the same way families value their parents.

“Kailangan ang trato sa mga magsasaka ay trato natin kagaya sa ating mga magulang, dahil sila ang nagpapakain sa atin,” he said.

(We need to treat farmers like our parents, because they are the ones who feed us.)

The senator presented the Sagip Saka Act (Republic Act 11321), which he authored and sponsored, emphasizing its goal of empowering farmers and fisherfolk through enterprise development, direct government procurement, better access to financing and technology, business development services, and tax incentives.

He also shared his personal experiences in farming and the challenges brought by natural disasters, which inspired him to champion initiatives that support Filipino agricultural workers.

Pangilinan closed his message with a call to action.

“Pagsinuportahan natin ang ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda, dadami ang ani, dadami ang huli, dadami ang supply ng pagkain sa palengke. At pag marami na ang supply ng pagkain, bababa ang presyo at mas marami tayong mabibili,” he said.

[If we support our farmers and fishermen, the harvest and fish catch will increase, driving down food prices in the market.] (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

Officials present the Suhid sa Malampusong Mag-uumang Bol-anon awards, top hybrid and inbred rice yielders, and “Vegetable Corridors: Bol-anong Busog ug Himsog” citations during the joint National Rice Awareness Month and Rice Festival Farmers’ Big Day at the Garcia Hernandez Gymnasium on Nov. 22, 2025. (Photo courtesy of PGBh)