Five partner lending conduits (PLCs) of the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC) were named national finalists in the 2025 Gawad Saka Search for Outstanding Rural Financial Institutions (RFIs), held on May 26, 2025, at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City.
Recognized under the bank category were the Cooperative Bank of Nueva Vizcaya (Region II) and the New Rural Bank of San Leonardo (Region III). In the non-bank category, the finalists included the Diffun Saranay and Development Cooperative (Region II), Kilusang Lima Para sa Lahat Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Region III), and the Camarines Norte Development Cooperative (Region V).
The annual search honors rural financial institutions that have demonstrated exemplary implementation of DA-ACPC credit programs and financial literacy initiatives. It also aims to incentivize institutions to actively support the agriculture and fisheries sector by providing sustainable, inclusive financial services.
National finalists were selected through a rigorous screening process led by the National Technical Committee (NTC), chaired by ACPC Director Norman William Kraft, with Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) Vice President Sem Cordial as vice chair. The selection involved both desk and field evaluations, with nominees endorsed by their respective DA-Regional Field Offices. Other members of the NTC are representatives from DA-ACPC, DA-Agricultural Training Institute, DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Services, and DA-Field Operation Services.
Final deliberations were conducted on May 21, 2025, by a Board of Judges composed of Development Bank of the Philippines Senior Vice President Carolyn Olfindo, APRACA CENTRAB General Manager Lecira Juarez, and consultant Lalaine Marasigan Joyas.
The Gawad Saka, now in its 50th year, is the Department of Agriculture’s most prestigious award program. It recognizes the invaluable contributions of Filipino farmers, fisherfolk, scientists, researchers, and institutions to national agricultural development.
The top winners among the national finalists will be formally awarded by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. in a ceremony at the Malacañang Palace.