Itogon has been shortlisted for the Outstanding Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council (MAFC) national category in the 2025 Gawad Saka Awards. The municipality has reached Level 1 and underwent a Level 2 interview on March 24, 2025, at Balingway Hall, which will determine if its scores improve or remain the same.
The Gawad Saka awarding is resuming after four years. The winner will be honored at Malacañang Palace, while the top three will receive recognition and cash prizes from the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Mayor Bernard S. Waclin expressed his support for the MAFC’s efforts, acknowledging its contributions to Itogon’s achievements. “Sila po ‘yong lakas ko, kaya gagawin ko ang makakaya ko para suportahan ang kanilang programa” (They are my strength, so I will do my best to support their programs), he stated.
The validation process was attended by key officials, including MAFC Chairperson Romeo Casilla, Councilor and Committee on Agriculture Chairperson Norberto Pacio, National Technical Committee (NTC) Vice Chairperson Vincent Chua, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Division Chief Zaldy Masangkay, and NTC Members Rica Dela Trinidad and Conchita Del Rosario. Jovy Gampol, the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) Coordinator, was also present.
Missing documents must be submitted within five days after validation. With the final review of documents nearing completion, Itogon remains optimistic about securing a top position in the national competition.
WORDS | Shayne Ashley Sudiacal, Jelly Rose Navaja
PHOTOS | Jay Ralph Galunza, BSU Interns
