March 29, 2024

Benguet marked its 120th Foundation Day, Nov. 23, lauding the outstanding farmers and local government units that have the best roadside beautification project.

Atok took the top spot with the best roadside beautification program with P35,000 followed by Kibungan and Buguias with P30,000 and P25,000, respectively.

A consolation of P20,000 each was given to the towns of Itogon, Tublay, Kabayan, Sablan, Kapangan, Bakun, Tuba, and La Trinidad.

The roadside beautification program of the province aims to encourage all municipalities to clean and beautify their respective roadsides by planting flowers, shrubs, and other decorative plants.

Awardees for the search for outstanding farmers association with integrated farming system went to Taba-ao Cuba Multipurpose Cooperative from Kapangan in first place followed by Itogon Integrated Organic Farmers Association and Pan-ayaoan Non-Formal Women’s Organization from Buguias.

The outstanding large animal raiser with integrated farming system went to Simber Sawac of Bangao, Buguias as champion followed by Joseph Galunza of Poblacion, Itogon and Fortunato Belino of Taba-ao, Kapangan.

For the outstanding small animal raiser with integrated farming system, the top winner is Elpedia Alos of Naguey, Atok followed by Mamerto Mangeg of Buyacaoan, Buguias and Marilyn Pinengeo of Poblacion, Itogon.

The province’s outstanding young farmer or fisherfolk plum went to Kevin Roz Casilla of Tuding, Itogon with P10,000 followed by Michael Evasco of Caliking, Atok and Stember Ngayaan, Jr. with P8,000 and P6,000, respectively.

Also, Sablan was hailed the best implementing town for the anti-rabies program while the best implementing barangays are Naguey, Atok; Poblacion, Bakun; Daclan, Bokod; Buyacaoan, Buguias; Tuding, Itogon; Batan, Kabayan; Basil, Tublay; Datakan, Kapangan; Tacadang, Kibungan; Alapang, La Trinidad; Poblacion, Sablan; Poblacion, Mankayan; and Camp 3, Tuba.

Gov. Melchor Dic-las called on the municipalities to continue implementing their programs and projects for the community and urged farmers and entrepreneurs to continue raising livestock employing bio-security measures to prevent viruses causing livestock diseases such as the African swine fever from spreading.

He said the province’s people, mostly engaged in farming or agriculture-based industry, are still blessed that the supply of vegetables and other agricultural products remain ample despite the pandemic, enabling them with continued source of livelihood in this crisis. – Ofelia C. Empian