Bataan, 2014 Agri-Pinoy Rice Achiever Awardee

CAPITOL GROUNDS, Bataan – In simple ceremonies held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila in Pasay City, Gov. Abet S. Garcia received last Thursday, March 26 a check of Php 4,000,000.00 as cash incentive together with a plaque of recognition on behalf of the Province, for being one of the 2014 Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awardees. This was announced by Ms. Imelda Inieto, Head of the Provincial Agriculture Office during this morning’s flag raising ceremony.

The Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards is an annual event organized by the National Rice Program (NRP) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to recognize the outstanding provinces, municipalities/ cities, Irrigators’ Associations, Small Water Impounding Systems Associations, Agricultural Extension Workers and Local Farmer Technicians, for their significant and outstanding contributions to the rice industry.

It aims to encourage the full participation of the Local Government Units (LGUs) and other stakeholders in rice production and sustain their awareness, support, and commitment to attain rice self-sufficiency.

In 2014, the Philippine rice industry performed modestly, reaching an all-time high national production of 18.97 million metric tons (MT). With a 2.87% production growth, it exceeded the previous year’s record by 528,406 MT. Incremental production is attributed to the 3.0% improvement in the average yield per hectare (ha) which increased from 3.89 MT/ha in 2013 to 4.00 MT/ha in 2014.

The implementation of this year’s Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards (APRAA) covered the 2014 rice production performance. To give credit and appreciation to these rice achievers who made valuable contributions to the increase in the national palay production, the NRP awarded plaques and cash incentives.

Nueva Ecija, Bulacan and Tarlac also received the Outstanding Province Award for Region 3.