News—SVD Farm exec director Fr. Sam Agcaracar, SVD, recognized as outstanding 'Organikong Magsasaka' by Dep't of Agriculture 4A
Quezon Province—The Department of Agriculture Region 4A (DA-4A), through its Organic Agriculture Program (OAP), recognized outstanding organic farmers last November 24 to 25, 2021, at the Nawawalang Paraiso Resort and Hotel, Tayabas City, Quezon.
Among those honored with the department’s “Recognition for the Individual Farmer” was Rev. Fr. Samuel “Sam” Naceno-Agcaracar, SVD, Executive Director of the SVD Farm and Rector of the SVD-Tagaytay Community.
During the second day of DA 4A’s celebration of the 7th Regional Organic Agriculture Month (ROAM) last November 25, 2021, a certificate of recognition was awarded to Fr. Sam. The certificate was received by Rev. Fr. Ricardo "Jhon" B. Crisostomo Jr., SVD, General Manager of the SVD Farm, on behalf of Fr. Sam and the Farm.
The award highlighted Fr. Sam’s exceptional efforts in promoting and supporting organic agriculture in Region 4A as the director of the SVD Farm. ROAM 2021 aimed to acknowledge farmers such as Fr. Sam who had been steadfastly championing the organic agriculture industry in the region.
This recognition marks a landmark achievement for the SVD Farm. Since its establishment, Fr. Sam has been at the forefront of leading the Farm towards promoting sustainability and environment-friendly practices such as organic farming. This recognition also showcases the Farm’s unwavering commitment to sustainable and dignified living, as called for in Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, addressing the importance of caring for the Earth as “our common home.”
Ms. Eda F. Dimapilis, Regional Organic Agriculture Focal Person, and Ms. Vilma M. Dimaculangan, OIC-Regional Executive Director, commended Fr. Sam for “his unwavering support to the implementation of the Organic Agriculture Program (OAP) amidst the challenges posed by the (COVID-19) pandemic” and his “continuous contributions and tireless efforts in achieving holistic development in the agricultural sector, guided by the principles of health, ecology, fairness, and care.”
Other recipients of the prestigious award included Atty. Reggie Eusebio (from Cavite), Mrs. Suzette Sales and Mr. Danilo Enriquez (from Laguna), Mrs. Honorata Casabuena from Batangas, Mrs. Edna V. Sanchez and Mr. Randy Donato (from Rizal), and Mr. Leo Casaclang (from Quezon). For their exceptional contributions to organic farming, certificates of appreciation were also presented to Engr. Eduardo Cleofe (president of Luntiang Republika Ecofarms Corporation), Ms. Aida Briones (owner of Chad's Nature Farm), Engr. Edelissa Ramos (founder of Uma Verde Econature Farm), Ms. Nyla Cordero (owner of Nylove's Farm), and Mr. Gabriel Arubio (chairman of YAKAP at HALIK Multipurpose Cooperative Cavite).
Mr. Fidel L. Libao, OIC-Field Operations Division Assistant Chief, congratulated and thanked all participants in the ROAM 2021 celebration, emphasizing, "As representatives of DA-4A, I extend my greetings to everyone for the successful celebration of Organic Agriculture Month. May our celebration continue to promote and advance organic farming."
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Presidential Proclamation No. 1030, series of 2015, designates November of each year as Organic Agriculture Month, emphasizing the crucial role of organic agriculture in ensuring food security through environmentally friendly practices.
In November 2021, the theme of the month was “Organikong Pagsasaka, Sagot sa Pandemya,” in consideration of the focus on ensuring healthy and safe food for Filipino households, a matter of utmost importance especially amid the challenges brought on by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The SVD Farm, which during that time was less than two months away from celebrating its first anniversary, was recognized for its crucial contributions for this purpose.
As November 2023 approaches, the theme for Organic Agriculture Month is “Kabuhayang OA, Kinabukasang OK,” signaling a continuation of efforts to highlight the significance of organic farming for sustainable livelihoods and a better future. The SVD Farm continues to support this initiative through its ongoing commitment to sustainability, organic farming, and environmental conservation.
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In a message on the official Organic Agriculture Program—DA Region IVA Facebook page last August 12, 2021, Fr. Sam expressed the profound significance of the SVD Farm project amidst the challenges brought about by the pandemic. "Ang proyektong ito po ay tugon namin sa hamon ng pandemic para sa pagpapalago ng ating kalikasan, paggamit sa tamang paraan ng aming konting lupain," he said, emphasizing how the Farm faced the challenge of the pandemic and recognized the need to nurture and cultivate the environment responsibly.
Fr. Sam emphasized “sustainable lifestyle,” one of the SVD Farm’s six pillars of sustainability, as one of the Farm’s main objectives. “Ito ay gusto naming ipakita sa pamamagitan ng pagtatanim ng mga halaman (at) ng iba't ibang uri ng vegetables sa pamamagitan ng organic farming,” he said.
Fr. Sam also humbly expressed his gratitude to all those who believed in and supported their project. He especially acknowledged the Department of Agriculture which he considers a steadfast ally of the Farm since the project's inception. According to him, the department’s unwavering support has provided crucial guidance and encouragement to the Farm's endeavors, enabling it to pursue their mission of promoting organic agriculture.
With warmth and openness, Fr. Sam extended a warm welcome to all, inviting them to visit and support the SVD Farm in their journey towards sustainability. Through their dedication and commitment to organic farming, the farm seeks to inspire and engage individuals in embracing a more environmentally conscious and responsible way of life.