2 young Ilonggo farmers shine in NYFE Forum

They might have not got the top awards but these two young Ilonggo farmers came home winners in their own rights.

Jomel Guintivano of Leganes, Iloilo won second place on Food Demonstration Contest using hybrid corn chips and Luther Tamonan of Tigbauan, Iloilo, 3 rd placer in extemporaneous speaking and Bangus Deboning representing the Fisheries Sector during the National Young Farmer Entrepreneurs' (NYFE) Forum held at Development Academy of the Philippines, Tagaytay City last May 9-12, 2005.

Dolores Montaño, Provincial Farm Youth Development Program Coordinator, said the duo were among the eight Ilonggo young farmers who were all first placers in the 4-H Club regional contest.

She said the winners were Joana Marie Panes (Passi City) with her Mango Chutney in high-value crops category; Bryan Paclib (Leon), poster making contest; Jay Tresplacios (Tigbauan), chicken dressing; Warren Arguilles (Cabatuan), multi-purpose tray made from rice straw in rice by-product category; and Blescila Tinguban (Tigbauan), Quiz Bee.

The Iloilo Provincial delegates were accompanied by Feljean Cagap, Provincial Federation President of 4-H Club, Ricky Sulpico of Japan Agricultural Exchange Council Alumni Association of the Philippines, Rodel Tañagras of Volunteer Leader Association of the Philippines – Iloilo Chapter and Municipal Farm Youth Development Program Coordinators Josephine Tumandian (Tigbauan), Julia Teresita Camillas (Leon), Tita Ducasi (Cabatuan), Lisa Detorre (Passi City) and Cecilia Reotan (Leganes.)

Montaño expressed his gratitude to Iloilo Gov. Niel D. Tupas, Sr. in the financial support he extended to Iloilo delegation.

On the other hand, Montaño is this year's nominee for the Lingkod Bayan Award.

This award is given to government employees with exemplary performance in public service.

It was learned that upon her designation as the Provincial Farm Youth Development Program Coordinator in 1997 she has already sent nine young farmers to undergo training in Japan and one in Hawaii as one of her major accomplishments.

Montaño, 52, is a dedicated pubic servant who aims nothing but to help young farmers to excel in their respective areas of interests.
(Ian C. Espada/PIO)