By Sanny Galvez, Manila Bulletin via The SEAMEO SEARCA Biotechnology Information Center

"We have already gone far since the hybrid rice commercialization program was launched in 2001 by President Arroyo. We have shown to our detractors that hybrid rice farming is indeed profitable and viable, as evidenced by our awardees tonight and many thousands more in various parts of the country."

Agriculture Secretary Domingo F. Panganiban made these remarks last Friday evening in a speech read for him by Dr. Leocadio S. Sebastian, executive director of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), during the awarding of the First Gintong Butil Achievement Awards to 12 outstanding hybrid rice farmers from Camarines Sur, Ilocos Sur, Nueva Ecija, Mindoro Occidental, Biliran, and Pangasinan.

Panganiban said hybrid rice farming is not only profitable, but more importantly, also sustainable and environment-friendly.

"Malayo na ang ating narating sa laran! gan ng hybrid rice commercialization program mula nang ito ay inilunsad noong 2001 ni Pangulong Arroyo. Ito'y dahil na rin sa magiting na tulong ng mga lokal na pamahalaan at ng pribadong sektor," Panganiban said.

Panganiban also commended SL Agritech Corp. headed by its chairman and chief executive officer Henry Lim Bon Diong "for its initiative, in cooperation with the GMA Rice Program and the Philippine Agricultural Journalists (PAJ), to honor the achievements of our farmers and agriculture technicians in promoting hybrid rice technology in the country."

Among those present during the affair were Rep. Nelia Chaves, former NFA administrator Arthur Yap, former food minister Jesus T. Tanchanco Sr., GMA Rice Program director Frisco Malabanan, former trade and industry secretary Noemi Saludo and Dr. Noel Namicpic, vice president for seed quality of SL Agritech Corp.

Two of the top awardees who also received cash prizes were Aida Badong, a 53-year-old farmer from! Barangay San Nicolas in Baao, Camarines Sur, who made a record harvest of 344 cavans per hectare by planting the Agritech's SL8E super hybrid trice seed variety.

Another top awardee was Fernando Cabuyo of Nueva Ecija whose recorded harvest was 335 cavans per hectare.

Another highlight of the evening affair was the launching of Agritech's bimonthly publication, the Gintong Butil.