June 29, 2026 — The Itogon Municipal Agricultural and Fisheries Council (IMAFC) has been recognized as the Most Outstanding Agricultural and Fisheries Council (AFC) among all municipal and city AFCs in the country during the 51st Gawad Saka Awards held today at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
Gawad Saka is the Department of Agriculture’s highest annual recognition program, honoring individuals, organizations, and institutions that have demonstrated excellence, innovation, resilience, and outstanding contributions to the development of the country’s agriculture and fisheries sector.
Under the Institutions Category, IMAFC emerged as the top-performing among municipal and city Agricultural and Fisheries Councils (AFCs) nationwide.
The Municipal Agricultural and Fisheries Council serves as a consultative and advisory body composed of representatives from the agriculture and fisheries sectors, farmers’ and fisherfolk organizations, cooperatives, and government agencies. It works closely with the local government in planning, coordinating, and promoting programs and policies that advance sustainable agricultural and fisheries development.
Receiving the award were Mayor Bernard S. Waclin, IMAFC Chairman Romeo Casilla, IMAFC Coordinator Marlou Daliling, Executive Assistant Marienito Lisayen, together with members of the council.
Along with the national recognition, IMAFC received a ₱600,000 grant from the Department of Agriculture, which will be used to further strengthen the council’s programs and initiatives in support of Itogon’s agriculture and fisheries sector.
The prestigious recognition highlights the Municipality of Itogon’s continued commitment to empowering its farming communities, and strengthening local agricultural governance, through active collaboration between the local government and its agricultural stakeholders.
