JCI Philippines and Universal Harvester,
Inc. (UHI) today launched the search and awards for TOFARM 2012 -- The
Outstanding Farmers of the Philippines recognition program -- for the most
noteworthy achievers and achievements in the agriculture sector of 2012.
The nationwide awards program cites the
achievements of both public and private entities engaged in farming and
includes traditional and modern farmers, fisherfolk, animal raisers,
cooperatives, farm communities, organizations, scientists, the academe, LGUs
and public employees, as well as business entities in rural and urban areas.
The Awards Program is the special tribute set aside by the Junior Chamber International-Philippines for the agricultural sector which is seen to still be the main driver of the country’s development.
Its main goal, according to JCI Philippines National President Randolf Ivan Ruste, is to foster the steady increase of youth venturing into the agriculture sector, invigorating investment and scientific advancement to achieve sustainable food supply.
Ruste said JCI partnered with Universal
Harvester this year to pursue the program last held in 2003. “We have found our
perfect fit in pursuing our common vision of
helping the Filipino farmer in Universal Harvester,” Ruste said. “We are
both concerned about the improvement of conditions for the farmer and are
working together for better urban-rural relations through a keener
understanding of agricultural concerns.”
UHI, a progressive Filipino company, is
involved in the direct manufacturing, local distribution and exportation of a
number of world-class quality fertilizers. “We are passionately pursuing our
mission of reviving Philippine agriculture by promoting farming as a noble,
lucrative profession and a key pillar in nation building,” said Mrs. Milagros
Ong-How, UHI Executive Vice President. “Through these Awards, we also want to
excite rural and urban youth about farming. We want them to see it as a viable,
highly rewarding career and a great way to help their country.”
The UHI lady executive said her dream is
for the Filipino youth to go back to the land and revive its promise besides just
aspiring towards high-paying jobs in the city.
“Today’s farmer faces both great
challenges and wonderful opportunities. With assistance, they can turn the
agriculture sector around so it can fulfil its main goal of achieving food
sustainability for present and future generations. Many farmers now are entrepreneurs
engaged in agribusiness that deals with various aspects of farming, including
technology, farm implements, fertilizers and insecticides that will raise the
volume and quality of crops while taking care not to violate environmental regulations. There is a bright
future for the youth in farming,” Mrs. How added.
TOFARM will give out 11 awards this year,
said TOFARM Project Chairman Rommel Cunanan : six in the individual category
and five in the group category. These are : Farmer, Fisherfolk, Livestock,
Agri-Entrepreneur, Young Farmer, Agricultural Innovator and Urban/City Farmer
in the individual category; and Agriculture Cooperative, Family Farmer, Local
Government Unit, Agriculture Initiatives and People’s Choice in the group
category.
The nomination period for Outstanding
Farmer candidates begins August 1and will end on September 30. Validation and
Judging of nominees will take place in October and November, while the Awarding
takes place in December.
Nominations may be submitted as hard copy
or sent online to www.tofarm.org.
Nomination forms may be downloaded from the website.
For more information, call the TOFARM
Hotline 709-5001 to 54, fax 709-5006 or email info.tofarm@gmail.com.
(Above article is a press release)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for the joyful comments!