NTA to award outstanding tobacco growers on Feb. 24
The National Tobacco Administration will be awarding outstanding tobacco growers in the annual Tobacco Growers of the Year (TGY), Branch Level, on February 24, to be held at the Ban-aw Resort in Barangay Bagani Gabor in Candon City.
This year’s recipient of the TGY Branch level in different tobacco types/subtypes for crop year 2020-2021 are the following:
For Virginia Improved Flavor:
- Rodel M. Carpio (Ocup, Pilar, Abra)
- Lorante F. Antalan (Aglipay, Pinili, Ilocos Norte)
- Leonila G. Riambon (Nagsupotan, San Juan, Ilocos Sur)
- Emmanuel A. Abalos (Cabaroan, San Esteban, Ilocos Sur)
- Hilario O. Olidan (Butubut Sur, Balaoan, La Union)
For Burley Improved Flavor:
- Nestor V. Padron (Nambaran, Bacarra, Ilocos Norte)
- Gerry V. Manzano (Lebueg, Laoag, Pangasinan)
- Jonar D. Paguirigan (Taguing, Baggao, Cagayan)
- Nemar P. Aquino (San Juan, Quirino, Isabela)
For Native Cigar Filler:
- Archie V. Bersola (Centro Sur, Alcala, Cagayan)
- Mary Grace S. Bautista (Santiago, Reina Mercedes, Isabela)
For Native Batek Chewing:
- Virgilio B. Garcia Sr. (Cupang, Sto. Tomas, La Union)
- Marissa T. Reciles (Gatang, Malasiqui, Pangasinan)
According to Felisa R. Aurellano, the Farm Technology and Services Department officer-in-charge and Chairperson of the TGY Technical Committee, the winners were evaluated according to crop stand which includes uniformity of plants, disease incidence and insect damage, including the adoption of recommended variety, fertilizer application, and recommended Crop Protection Agents. The criteria also include the yield and quality of cured leaves, and income.
Deputy Speaker and Ilocos Sur 2nd District Rep Kristine Singson Meehan will be the Guest of Honor.
Also invited to deliver their messages are Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar, NTA Administrator/CEO Roberto Victor G. Seares Jr., Dir. Teofilo R. Quintal of the NTA Governing Board, Candon City Mayor Ericson G. Singson, and farmer leader Bernard R. Vicente, president of the National Federation of Tobacco Farmers Association and Cooperatives).
Assisting extension workers of the winning contestants will also be cited during the awarding ceremonies, namely: Mardelito B. Bacaricas (NTA Abra), Jessa Mae A. Alcantara (NTA Ilocos Norte), Immanouel A. Rafanan (NTA Vigan), Fayrene Kay P. Millan (NTA Candon), Corazon V. Dacumos (NTA La Union), May Angela U. Lacamora (NTA Ilocos Norte), Manuel M. Delfin Jr. (NTA Pangasinan), Jerwi P. Tapulao (NTA Cagayan), Jovanie C. Gante (NTA Isabela), Orlando P. Arugay (NTA Cagayan), Joey A. Pascual (NTA Isabela), Joannaliza D. Ordinante (NTA La Union), and Marcos G. Atela (NTA Pangasinan).
Provincial winners for each tobacco type will compete with other farmers showing exemplary efforts in tobacco farming in the TGY National Level.
(Kathleen Bulquerin)