In recognition of its exceptional contribution to the corn industry, the Local Government Unit of Ligao, with its City Agriculturist and Agricultural Technologists, will be receiving the 2014 National Quality Corn Achievers Awards on the upcoming 10th Philippine National Corn Congress this 20 November 2014 at Cagayan de Oro.
Ligao City, along with other four city/municipalities in Bicol, will be receiving the Outstanding City award. City Agriculturist, Cesar D. Sodsod will be receiving the Outstanding City Agriculturist award while Agricultural Technologists Amelita O. Palacio, Dely B. Nocos, Elsa N. Bonagua, and Magdalena P. Pobocan will be receiving the Outstanding Agricultural Extension Worker award.
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YET ANOTHER AWARD: Ligao City Agriculturist Cesar P. Sodsod will be receiving yet another award as an Outstanding Agriculturist on the upcoming 2014 National Quality Corn Achievers Awards ceremony.
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Ligao’s very own Aflatoxin-free corn is one of the breakthroughs that brought Ligao and Agricultural experts into the limelight. Aflatoxin-free corn, according Mr. Sodsod, is a unique product of Ligao that cannot be found in other areas in Bicol. Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring toxin produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus. Aflatoxin-contaminated corns can affect production and sales, and can poison warm-blooded animals like cattle and swine (Sumner, 2012).
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| TOXIN-FREE: Ligao City Agricultural Services team was able to develop an Aflatoxin-free corn, recognized as one of the great contributions to the corn industry. Photo courtesy of City Agricultural Services Office |
In addition, Ligao, through its City Agricultural Services Office, has extensive and robust agricultural and livelihood programs for farmers, communities, and groups. The City Government, headed by Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua in partnership with Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, is also being recognized for its efforts in developing agricultural machineries, equipment, and infrastructures for the use of farmers and communities.
During the 2013 National Corn Congress at Tagaytay City, the same awards were given to Mr. Sodsod, Agricultural Technologists Bonagua and Pobocan, and the City Government. The Department of Agriculture also conducts the Regional Awarding of Agricultural Achievers in recognition of their performances. This year, the regional awarding will be held at Naga City on 20 October 2014.
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| OUTSTANDING LGU: The Local Government Unit of Ligao was recognized as one of the Outstanding Cities during the 2013 National Quality Corn Awards Ceremony. Photo courtesy of City Agricultural Services Office |
The National Corn Congress is an annual event that recognizes LGUs and agricultural experts of their outstanding performances and contribution to the corn industry. The event is organized by the Philippine Maize Federation, Inc. in partnership with the Department of Agriculture.
Written by Lala Peñafiel
References:
Sumner, P. (2012). Reducing Aflatoxin in Corn During Harvesting and Storage. Retrieved at http://extension.uga.edu/publications/files/pdf/B%201231_3.PDF on 13 October 2014.
Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office No. 5. Special Order No. 90 Series of 2014. September 22, 2014.
Resource persons:
Cesar P. Sodsod, City Agriculturist, City Agricultural Services Office, Ligao City
Michelle O. Odoño, Agricultural Technologist, City Agricultural Services Office, Ligao City
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