MANILA, Philippines - Lanao del Norte recently received the 2013 Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers award from the Department of Agriculture (DA) for being one of the top 12 performing provinces in the country in terms of its outstanding contributions to the rice industry.
The Rice Achievers award is the DA’s way of recognizing the top performing provinces, cities, municipalities, irrigator’s associations, small water impounding system associations and agricultural extension workers in their continued support of the national government’s rice sufficiency goal.
“We are truly happy for this recognition. We share this award with the people of Lanao del Norte, especially our rice-producing towns and with Gov. Khalid Dimaporo who has been very supportive to our agriculture sector,†said provincial agriculturist Letecia Ditucalan.
Other top performing provinces include Nueva Ecija, North Cotabato, Nueva Viscaya, Isabela, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Bukidnon, Bulacan, Kalinga, Mindoro Occidental and Laguna.
A total of P117 million has been earmarked as cash prizes and project grants for the winners.
The top provinces will receive project grants amounting to P4 million each, while the top cities and towns will receive P1 million each.
Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said the Rice Achievers Award is a way of showing gratitude to the farmers, LGUs and other stakeholders who remain committed to achieving rice sufficiency in the country.