"We have shown and still proving to our detractors that hybrid rice farming is indeed profitable and viable, as evidenced by our awardees tonight and many thousands more in various parts of the country," Panganiban said in a speech read for him by Dr. Leocadio S. Sebastian, executive director of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).
The occasion, held last Friday evening at the National Press Club (NPC) bldg. in Intramuros, Manila, marked the awarding of the SL Agritech Corporation’s First Gintong Butil Achievement Awards to 12 outstanding hybrid rice farmers from Camarines Sur, Ilocos Norte, Mindoro Occidental, Biliran, Nueva Ecija and Pangasinan.
Panganiban said hybrid rice farming is not only profitable, but more importantly, sustainable and environment-friendly.
"We expect that hybrid rice is here to stay, and that it will continue to play a key role in our goal to attain 100 percent rice self-sufficiency," Panganiban said as he cited SL Agritech Corp. headed by its president and chief executive officer (CEO) Henry Lim "for its initiative to honor the achievements of our farmers and agriculture technicians in promoting hybrid rice technology in the country."
Among those present during the affair which was held in cooperation with GMA Rice Program and the Philippine Agricultural Journalists (PAJ), were Nueva Ecija Rep. Nelia Chavez, former Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, former Food Minister Jesus T. Tanchanco Sr., former Dept. of Trade and Industry Secretary Noemi Saludo, and Dr. Noel Mamicpic, vice president, seed quality, SL Agritech Corp.
Two of the top awardees who also received cash prizes, were Aida Badong, a 53-year-old lady farmer from Bgy. San Nicolas in Baao, Camarines Sur who made a record harvest of 344 cavans per hectare by planting the Agritech’s SL-8 super hybrid rice seed variety; and Fernando Gabuyo of San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, whose recorded harvest of SL=8 hybrid rice was 335 canvans per hectare.
Another highlight of the evening affair was the launching of the maiden issue of Agritech’s bi-monthly publication, the "Gintong Butil."