The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR) headed by Regional Executive Director Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan is awarded by the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA) as the “Agriculture Advocate of the Year”.

This institutional award recognizes the DA-CAR for its relentless efforts and strong commitment in helping the farming and fishing communities towards sustainability and livelihood initiatives.

The IAWPA Global Peace Awards 2025 was held yesterday, June 14, at the Hotel Supreme convention Plaza in Magsaysay, Baguio City during the FY2025 Asia Pacific and Africa International Peace Conference. Dir. Dawayan and Assistant Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Dr. Arlene Sagayo received the award.

Dir. Dawayan, in her acceptance speech, underscored that in agriculture, peace begins with a full stomach.

“In agriculture, we say peace begins with a full stomach – when food is accessible to anyone, across rural to urban areas…when food from the production areas are nutritious, safe and marketable…when primary food is affordable regardless of income classes…when food is sufficient to all…when responsible consumption is lived and embodied and we all advocate for zero food waste – when these happen, there is definitely “food peace”,” Dir. Dawayan said.

According to IAWPA H.E. Ambassador Maxwell Hagan, the awards are given to honorable people and institutions who have made an impact in their fields especially in promoting peace and making sure that there is sustained peace in all aspects of their lives.

He encouraged the awardees to continue becoming advocates of peace across borders regardless of their organizations and professions, noting that peace has no defined skin nor color. It, accordingly, comes from one’s willingness to embrace and sustain peace.

There is a total of 31 awardees across categories: institution (, individual (14), ambassadorial (6) and youth ambassador (3). Some of them are also partners of DA in agricultural development.

IAWPA is a global non-government organization that promotes peace education, peace workshop and various Sustainable Development Goals anniversaries.//JBAgrifino