BY GLORIA LEODIVICA INES ARANETA
Tagbilaran City continues to reap the rewards of its commitment to sustainable agriculture as the City Agriculture and Veterinary Office (CAVO), headed by Officer-in-Charge Dr. Carl Pradera, was recognized as one of the Regional Outstanding Agricultural Achievers in the 2025 Gawad Saka Search.
The award was given during the culmination of the Farmer’s and Fisherfolk month celebration on May 29, 2025 at Golden Prince Hotel, Cebu City.
The recognition was awarded for the office’s exemplary role as Support Technician to Ms. Pablita Cabarles of Manga National High School, who is now a National Nominee for the Gawad Saka Award for Outstanding Young Farmer (School Category).
This honor highlights the effective collaboration between the local government, schools, and communities in driving agricultural innovation and excellence.
The Gawad Saka Awards, spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture, are the country’s most prestigious accolades for outstanding achievers in agriculture and fisheries, and reaching the national level is no small feat.
Mayor Jane Yap lauded the achievement, emphasizing that it reflects the city’s direction in supporting grassroots agricultural programs.
“We are proud of Mrs. Pablita Cabarles of Manga National High School and our City Agriculture and Veterinary Office for their dedication and for empowering the next generation of agri-leaders.
Tagbilaran City will continue to invest in programs that promote innovation, environmental stewardship, and inclusive growth,” said Mayor Yap.
The support extended to Manga National High School forms part of Tagbilaran’s broader strategy to integrate agriculture into youth development initiatives and to strengthen food security through education.
Through technical assistance, mentoring, and continuous engagement, the CAVO has enabled students to understand and embrace the value of agricultural sustainability, even in urban settings.
This recent recognition is not just a victory for the office or the school, but a win for the entire city as it sets a benchmark for how local government can effectively contribute to national agricultural goals.