GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- More than 200 farmers from South Cotabato, Sarangani and General Santos City (SocSarGen) joined in the recent launching here of the search and award for The Outstanding Farmers (TOFARM) of the Philippines. TOFARM is an award program of the Junior Chamber International Philippines (JCIP) and the Universal Harvester, Incorporated (UHI) “in recognition of the resiliency, ingenuity, and the strength of our hard working Filipino farmers.”

The program is anchored on promoting farming in the youth sector in all regions by encouraging participation of public and private sector stakeholders in agriculture, fisheries and livestocks. “It’s very heartwarming and motivating to see that in our quest to inspire the nation to farm, SocSarGen farmers are united and committed to our country’s struggle for food sustainability,” said TOFARM 2012 National Chairman Rommel Cunanan.

UHI Executive Vice President, Dr. Milagros Ong How underscored the importance of the program to attract new generation farmers and be proud of this livelihood. “If fewer and fewer young farmers fail to realize their contribution to nation building, we will face a food security crisis in the very near future,” she opined. The TOFARM search is open to all farmers and harvesters of rice, corn, coconut, sugarcane, organic and high value crops. Fisherfolks, livestock owners, agri-entrepreneurs, young farmers, urban city farmers, agriculture cooperatives, and family farmers including agricultural innovators, local government units, private organizations and other institutions are also welcome to participate.

“This is to support and acknowledge our unsung heroes in the agriculture industry,” explained Virgilio Jose Cabanlet who is this year’s National Chairman. Cabanlet also expressed gladness over the active involvement of the participants who traveled from as far as Maitum, Sarangani and T’boli, South Cotabato just to learn for the first time the search and award that will finally recognize even small-scale farmers in their field of endeavor. Benjamin Hurtado, an inventor and designer of a mechanical equipment that can dry 1,000 sacks of corn in 1 hour expressed optimism that his work of art will be finally recognized through TOFARM.

“I am happy to note that there is a program like this, otherwise, I will just keep my invention until it decays,” he said. T’boli Municipal Agriculturist, Olivia Miramon also shared the same optimism especially for the farmers in her town. “This is one great opportunity to enhance the skills and capabilities of our farmers and at the same time to uplift their living conditions,” she said. Meanwhile, Cabanlet disclosed that submission of TOFARM nomination is extended until August 15, 2013 to give ample time for interested individuals and groups to complete the necessary requirements and/or documentation for the completion of their nominations.

For more information about the nomination one may visit www.tofarm.org and coordinate with the JCI General Santos “Twin Star” through 0932 774-3257/09089017649 or visit the Philippine Information Agency-SarGen Office with contact number (083) 301-8244. Entries can be emailed to info.tofarm@gmail.com or send it to TOFARM Secretariat Office at HCC, 10th Floor, 158 P. Tuazon Ave. cor 7th/8th Ave., Cubao, Quezon City. (By Nirvana Alpha Vita G. Fruylan /PIA-Gensan)