IBA, Zambales — The Zambales Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Council (PAFC-Zambales), along with the Provincial Agriculture Office-Zambales, was recognized as Region III’s best during the 51^st Gawad Saka Regional Awarding Ceremony held on May 29 in Tarlac City.

As Regional Outstanding PAFC, the local council received a Plaque of Recogntion and a cash prize of P500,000.

The awards were received by Acting Provincial Agriculturist Arnel Abayan, Zambales Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer John Exekiel Soriano, PAFC Coordinator Alexander Reyes, and other PAFC-Zambales members who attended the ceremony.

PAFC, which is a consultative and advisory body that directly connects the Department of Agriculture (DA) and local farming and fishing communities, is composed of private sector representatives from the farmers and fisherfolk communities. It assists in monitoring local projects, addressing industry concerns, and advocating for policies that improve rural livelihoods. Following the recognition, PAFC-Zambales thanked Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. and Board Member Eric Matibag, who chairs the Committee on Agriculture, for their support, and pledged to intensify efforts in developing the local agriculture industry and local livelihood programs. ▲