A bountiful harvest

Ten outstanding hybrid rice farmers were given special recognition during the recent virtual awarding ceremony of the Masaganang Ani 300, a joint project of SL Agritech Corporation (SLAC), the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Go Negosyo, with the primary objective of encouraging farmers to continue planting hybrid rice seeds in order to increase rice productivity and income.

Led by the hardworking SLAC chairman and CEO Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong, the ceremony recognized four farmers who harvested a yield not lower than 300 cavans per hectare. The top four awardees received commendations not just from SLAC, the DA, and Go Negosyo, but also a cash prize and trophy as well.

The other six recipients who harvested at least 250 cavans per hectare using SL hybrid rice varieties last cropping season received a cash prize and certificates of recognition.

Dr. Lim extended his congratulations and appreciation to all the winners and participants of the program. Also present at the online awarding ceremony were SLAC executive vice president Michelle Lim Gankee, DA Hybrid Rice Program consultant Dr. Frisco Malabanan and presidential adviser for entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion, who in his speech mentioned that the agriculture sector registered growth in the second quarter of this year while other industries suffered from the effects of the current pandemic. He also provided some updates on what the government has been doing to combat the effects of COVID-19.

Agriculture secretary William Dar was not able to attend but sent a video greeting for all the winners. He also lauded the efforts, both by SLAC and Go Negosyo, for spearheading the Masaganang Ani 300 Program and thanked them for always partnering with the Department in fostering a more competitive agri sector.