Distinct honor from CSSP

By Sosimo Ma. Palbico

THE BIGGEST SURPRISES in one’s life really come at the least expected moment.  Just like an award for me as an agriculturist and agricultural journalist from the CSSP [Crop Science Society of the Philippines], which is probably the largest group of agriculture scientists and researchers in the country today.

Indeed, an achievement award for me from the CSSP never occurred in my mind until Dr. Edwin Honrade, a past president of the society, suggested that I should be nominated for such an award.  Even as I have been a CSSP life member since 1984, I was not sure if I qualify to be on equal footing with the country’s bright minds in crop science.  However, Dr. Leocadio S. Sebastian and Dr. Madonna C. Casimero of PhilRice nominated me and I received the distinct honor last May 15 of being presented the 2008 CSSP Special Citation Award during the Society’s 38th scientific conference in Iloilo City. 

I wish Dr. Sebastian and Dr. Casimero were there to see me receive the award, but they were busy on some very urgent matters related to rice research and production.

I joined six outstanding fellows who were presented the 2008 CSSP achievement awards that night: Dr. Rita P. Laude, teaching; Dr. Rolando T. Cruz, research; Dr. Aladino L. Leccio, extension; Alvaro M. Pamplona, technology development; Flora A. Jarilla, technology development; and Dr. Manuel G. Gaspar, the Sant S. Virmani Hybrid Rice Award.

Part of the citation for me reads as follows: “He is recognized as one of the most prolific agriculture journalists in the country with more than 2,000 news à and [feature stories] in newspapers, magazines, community papers, and online publications.  Through his commitment and dedication, he has been touching and changing the lives of many farmers as he glamorizes their farming successes and trials through his articles.”

The award humbles me as an agricultural journalist who has been receiving unending support from my foremost mentor and idol, Mr. Zac B. Sarian. Unknown to many, he taught me how to write and then continuously mentored me on how to write better since my college days at the UP College of Agriculture. On top of this, his support keeps on coming even to the present. 

I remember that a few years before I retired from government service, he even came to the Mariano Marcos State University in Batac, Ilocos Norte to persuade me to go back to journalism, as I was already completely detached for more than a decade.  I remember him telling me that I should not have replaced journalism with academic life.  A large chunk of the award, therefore, is due to Manong Zac whom I will always be indebted to.  Indeed, journalism has made me more active, always on the go seeking for stories from end to end of our country after retirement from the academe.  I am confident Manong Zac is happy that I went back to journalism.

A thousand thanks are also due to my numerous sponsors who brought me to the successful farmers and fisherfolks whom I have written about.  Without their support it would have been extremely difficult for me to reach those farmers and fisherfolks and talk with them about how they made it to the top.  Without my sponsors who shouldered the financial requirements, my stories on successful crop producers, livestock raisers and fishpond operators would not have been as extensive  Special mention is due to PhilRice [Philipine Rice Research Institute], PCC [Philippine Carabao Center], Novatech Agri-Food Industries, and Novatech Vet and Biologicals Corporation.

I should not also fail to mention the numerous people who patiently guided and brought me to the subjects of my success stories.  For fear that I may not be able to recall all of them and be accused of being ungrateful, I would like to make a special mention of Dr. Rene Sumaoang, president and CEO of Novatech, and Dr. Sebastian.  Dr. Sumaoang has been my No. 1 supporter and guide since 2004 as he has been with me most of the time whenever I interviewed successful users of Novatech technologies like Durabloom, Nova Pure PCM Aqua, Biosec and Biolyte. 

On the other hand, it was Dr. Sebastian who started my constant travel to the countryside since early 2004 when he asked me to write a book on the country’s successful rice farmers.  This particular project enabled me to write my first book on the people who produce food for the country’s burgeoning millions, which was given the title Rise With Rice.  Since then Dr. Sebastian has continuously asked me to travel around the country to talk with successful rice farmers, enabling me to write the second edition of Rise With Rice, which was launched during the PhilRice anniversary celebration last November.  The book was also launched in different regions early this year to give recognition to the farmers in the book who were not able to come to the book launching last November.

I would also like to thank the scientists and researchers who patiently explained their discoveries to me and answered all the “nonsense” issues and questions I raised about their research findings.  I must confess that much of my stock knowledge in agriculture and fisheries came from them, as I asked them to explain a lot of background information on what they were doing.  To all of you, thank you so much.  May your breed multiply further.

(Readers may reach columnist at spablico@yahoo.com. For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/harvest-time/ For reactions to this column, click “Send MESSAGES, OPINIONS, COMMENTS” on default page.)

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