Dr. Andie John D. Tadeo, Director of the Fisheries Research and Training Institute (FRTI) of Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University – North La Union Campus (DMMMSU-NLUC), was named 2025 Regional Gawad Saka Awardee for Outstanding Agricultural Scientist by the Department of Agriculture (DA). The awarding ceremony, held at the J&V Hotel and Resort in San Fernando City, La Union, today, June 23, 2025, marked the revival of the Gawad Saka after a five-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The last awarding ceremony was held in 2020.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) recognized Dr. Tadeo not just for his research excellence but for his deep-rooted commitment to the communities he serves. His leadership in fisheries and aquaculture has made a meaningful impact, particularly through his groundbreaking work in reviving the local salt industry, a vital but often overlooked livelihood source for coastal families.
This recognition highlights Dr. Tadeo’s ability to bridge scientific innovation with real-world application. By developing improved salt production technologies that enhance both yield and quality while protecting the environment, he has helped restore confidence in an industry once in decline.
The DA also lauded his collaborative approach, translating research from the lab to the field, and empowering fisherfolk through knowledge-sharing and sustainable practices. His work stands as a model for inclusive growth, showing how science can be a powerful tool for building stronger, more self-reliant communities.
“Dr. Tadeo embodies the very essence of the Gawad Saka, scientific excellence that directly uplifts communities and drives real change,” shared a Department of Agriculture regional executive.
Established in 1970, the Gawad Saka Award is the highest distinction conferred by the DA to individuals, groups, and organizations that exemplify innovation, sustainability, and impact in agriculture and fisheries. More than just an accolade, the award serves as a platform to spotlight transformative stories, incentivize outstanding performance, and inspire continued advancement in the sector.
For Dr. Tadeo, the recognition is both a personal honor and a renewed call to action.
“This award is not mine alone,” he shared. “It represents the collective efforts of dedicated researchers, students, and community partners I’ve had the privilege to work with over the years. More than anything, it reinforces our mission at DMMMSU to pursue research that makes a real difference for our environment, for the people we serve, and for the future of the Philippine salt industry.”
With this achievement, Dr. Tadeo joins the ranks of the country’s most distinguished scientists whose research continues to shape the future of Philippine agriculture and fisheries.
As the Gawad Saka program renews its proud legacy, his story serves as a reminder of how science, when grounded in purpose and service, becomes a catalyst for progress and lasting change. (By Ayu)
