
ARTECHE, E. Samar, April 30 (PIA) — Exemplary farmers and fisherfolks from the Municipality of Arteche were honored during the town’s 67th founding anniversary celebration.
Farmers and fisherfolks received awards for their efforts in organic and sustainable farming and fishing during the 2nd Farmers and Fisherfolks Day on April 26.
Municipal Agriculturist Nestor Rebato disclosed that his office is closely monitoring the implementation of the One-Gulay-One-Barangay project of the local government in the 20 barangays of the municipality. Under this project, each barangay is encouraged to produce one type of vegetable.
The local government of Arteche observed an increased vegetable production with the implementation of this project. This prompted the office of Rebato to recommend for the recognition and conferring of awards to some farmers.
The recommendation was readily approved by mayor Roland Boi Evardone and the local chief executive added cash incentives for the awardees.
In his message, Mayor Evardone commended the farmers and fisherfolks for their diligence.
The awarding ceremony had the theme “Mangingisda at Magsasaka, Dakila Ka! Dagat at Kabukiran Iyong Lininang Alay sa Kababayan” (Fisherfolks and Farmers, You are Great! You have Cultivated the Farm for your People.)

The awardees were the following:
Rodrigo Lopega – Outstanding Farmer
Enrico Nuguit – Outstanding Vegetable Farmer
Arteche Tuna Fishers – Outstanding Association
Best Performer for ‘One-Gulay, One-Barangay Program – Barangay Casidman; and
Most Cooperative Association – Barangay MacArthur
The municipal agriculturist emphasized that having a big land lot does not matter much because all that are needed are empty cans and plastic containers to grow vegetables.
“This is the 2nd year and yet we have inspired the farmers to produce more and more,” added Rebato.
With over 810 hectares of high-yielding rice fields under the jurisdiction of the municipality, he appealed to the Program Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) to fast track their farm to market roads (FMR) stretching to some 14.1 kilometers.
“The provision of FMRs can make us more productive,” he told PIA. (PIA 8-E Samar)