Palawan family named outstanding farm family

MANILA, Philippines - A family from a remote barangay in the town of Brooke’s Point in Palawan province was adjudged this year’s Most Outstanding Farm Family by the Gawad SAKA of the Department of Agriculture.

The Dureza family of Bgy. Samariniana, Brooke’s Point said their winning the award is not only a big honor for their province but also a tribute to the resiliency, perseverance and competence of all local agrarian workers.

The Dureza family is composed of husband and wife Cipriano and Virginia. They have six children who are all graduates but have chosen to remain in Brooke’s Point to tend their growing family farm. The family is also a member of rural-based organizations such as Farmers’ Association, Rural Improvement Club and 4-H Club.

The family started tilling an eight-hectare property which has grown to 39 hectares. Aside from farming palay and venturing into rice trading, the family is also raising domestic animals like goats, pigs, cows and chickens and maintaining agricultural areas with organic vegetables, cashew, coconut-cacao inter-cropping and related plants.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala personally handed over the award and other related prizes to the Dureza family in a simple ceremony held in Quezon City. They received P20,000 cash and a hand tractor.

Virginia also won 4th runner-up honors in the 2011 Search for Most Outstanding Rural Woman of the Philippines.