Cebuano named Gawad Saka achiever

CEBU, Philippines - Retired police officer Avelino “Billy” Peralta of Carmen town is among this year’s Gawad Saka Achievers, one of only two recipients from the Visayas.

The other awardee from the Visayas is Tomas Nautea of Dumangas, Iloilo. Most of this year’s awardees are from Luzon and Mindanao.

Peralta was recognized for his efforts in small animal raising while Nautea was recognized for his efforts in the fishing industry.

Peralta personally received the award from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. He received a trophy, citation, and cash prize of P100,000.

Peralta personally received the award from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. He received a trophy, citation, and cash prize of P100,000.

The awarding ceremony was also attended by Department of Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque II, and other officials from the two departments.

As a young boy, Peralta was trained to rear and care for the horned animals, as it was his family’s means of livelihood. Last year, Peralta earned more than P260,000 from raising goats and close to half a million pesos from his piggery and other fruit crops.

Fresh from the police academy, Peralta entered the police service in 1969 and rose from the ranks, from patrolman to captain to police chief of Carmen town.

To augment his meager policeman’s salary, Peralta also managed a goat farm and did not hesitate to seek advice from experienced goat farmers, Carmen’s Municipal Agriculture Officer and farm management technicians.

It was not surprising that after he retired from police service, Peralta dedicated most of his time tending to his one-hectare goat farm.

Aside from raising goats, he also raises swine and poultry and grows various crops like banana, papaya, jackfruit, mango and coconut.

Carmen Mayor Sonia Pua said Peralta should serve as an example to other farmers in the town.

After Peralta’s success story, a number of farmers from Visayas and Mindanao visited his farm in barangay Dawis during which he shared his experiences and gave tips to them.

Peralta told The Freeman he dedicates his achievement to his family, the people of Carmen, and to his God. He said those residing in cities should consider going back to their hometowns because money is just waiting for them there.

The Gawad Saka Search is a yearly undertaking of the Department of Agriculture in cooperation with other government institutions, non-government offices and the private sector to give tribute to farmers, fisher folk, and institutions whose dedication and exemplary contributions to the development of the country’s agriculture sector serve as an inspiration to their fellowmen. — Jose P. Sollano/JMO (THE FREEMAN)