Ginintuang Butil Association honored as National Finalist at Gawad Saka Awards

By Rowena T. Cruz Alicia Lambon, President of the Ginintuang Butil ng Sta. Teresa Irrigators Association, Inc., proudly accepts the award fo...

By Rowena T. Cruz

Alicia Lambon, President of the Ginintuang Butil ng Sta. Teresa Irrigators Association, Inc., proudly accepts the award for National Finalist for the Most Outstanding Irrigators Association at the 50th Gawad Saka Awards at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City, in recognition of the group's hard work, unity, and dedication. (NIA CALABARZON)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon — The Ginintuang Butil ng Sta. Teresa Irrigators Association, Inc. from Barangay Mayao Parada was recently honored as a National Finalist for the Most Outstanding Irrigators Association at the prestigious 50th Gawad Saka Awards. Recognized for its significant contributions to agriculture during the celebration of National Farmers and Fisherfolk Month, the group was celebrated for its hard work, unity, and dedication.

The association’s excellence stems from a proactive approach to modern farming, which earned them the top spot in the CALABARZON region before advancing to the national level. They actively seek out new technologies, participate in agricultural training programs, and forge strong partnerships with government agencies.



Their innovative practices include participating in the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program, through which they received a multi-pass ricemill, and collaborating with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to rehabilitate the Dumacaa River Irrigation System. These efforts have significantly improved water management and crop yield.

IA President Alicia Lambon proudly accepted the award at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City, accompanied by NIA Region IV-A Regional Manager Engr. Roberto Dela Cruz. Gawad Saka is a prestigious annual recognition program that honors outstanding individuals and groups in the agriculture and fisheries sector who go above and beyond to improve their communities and promote food security.

Following the ceremony, the group, accompanied by OIC City Agriculturist Jirah Lou Merano, paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Alcala to present their award plaque. The mayor stated that he is incredibly proud of the association, and that their recognition is a testament to what can be achieved through strong leadership, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence.

President Lambon shared that the award belongs to every member. "This award is not just for our leaders, but for every single member who works tirelessly in our fields. It is a testament to our unity and our commitment to using every resource to improve our harvests and secure our families' future."

In a move towards long-term sustainability, the association has officially registered as a cooperative. Now known as the Ginintuang Butil ng Sta. Teresa Irrigators Agriculture Cooperative, they continue their mission to support the government's efforts in strengthening agricultural productivity and food security. The association hopes their story will inspire more farmers to strive for excellence and work together toward a more prosperous future.

"The honor we've received reinforces our belief that we are on the right path, this new status gives us a stronger voice and allows us to better access programs that will help our members innovate and thrive for generations to come." she added.