Marcos confers Order of Sikatuna on Dutch founder of world's biggest seed companies
MANILA BULLETIN
President Marcos has given recognition to the Dutch founder of the world's biggest seed companies, which originated in the Philippines, for his contributions in strengthening the country’s relations with the Netherlands.
Through Philippine Ambassador to Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya, Marcos conferred on Simon Groot, the founder of East-West seed, the Order of Sikatuna, with the Rank of Officer (Maginoo).
The President cited Groot's "important contributions in broadening and strengthening relations between the Philippines and the Netherlands" and "for his steadfast efforts in promoting Philippines-Netherlands economic cooperation through the creation of opportunities for Filipinos."
Marcos also cited him "for his outstanding contributions in the field of agriculture and for dedication in his mission to break the vicious cycle of poverty and help Filipino farmers prosper through diversification into high value crops.”
The award was presented by Malaya, on behalf of the President, at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Embassy in The Hague on October 3.
"But the mission is not done yet. We need to create more opportunities for farmers, including the young generation, and develop better seeds," he added.
According to the embassy, it started in a 5-hectare farm in Lipa, Batangas, where they produced high-yielding varieties of local crops that are resistant to diseases.
