A Farmer’s Path to National Honor

Posted on Jan. 31, 2026 at 10:34 am

Tacloban City —  Every aspect of Ramon Sumagang’s life has revolved around hard work, especially when it comes to labor. Even before he was an employee of the City Hall, his routine included waking up at dawn, fetching water from a borehole, working on the farm and still being unsure whether the harvest he got was enough to feed his family.

Ramon Sumagang, now a  63-year-old man, has traveled a path leading to being a nationally recognized public servant. So, if anyone would doubt whether dignity in labor still matters even if one’s work is humble, they should consider the story of this man who, through his work and labor has made a mark not just in a community but in a whole nation.

A 2025 national winner of the Gawad Dangal ng Bayan under the Gawad Lingkod Bayani honors program, the story of Ramon Sumagang is more than just a story of personal triumph from a struggling farmer to a City Hall maintenance worker; rather, it is an account that beautifully reflects the values of integrity and resilience inherent in the Calbayog farming community.

Farming, soil and sweat were the two things that Ramon had been familiar with for many years. It was a challenging job, as the farm was not near the house,  so every day  required a long and tiring walk before he could start the real work. There was hardly any money around. Fertilizing and pest control materials were so scarce that every season, when crops were planted, the farmers could only rely on their stamina and strength.

Yet, Ramon did not give up.

The center of his determination was his family-his wife Lisa Sumagang, now 61 years old, and their five children, who were dependent on him every day. Ramon remembers it was very hard, but quitting was not an option. He was like any Filipino father whose determination was based on the family he had to provide for. Each stride in the fields was motivated by the very familiar but strong drive: the family.

Ramon eventually gave up farming and took up welding and carpentry, becoming part of the maintenance division of Calbayog City Hall. His job was to work behind the scenes, but his work became indispensable very soon to the daily life of the city.

Since he was a carpenter and welder by profession, Ramon would repair buildings, make tables, and install fixtures for city events and festivals. His hands, his only tools in the past when he worked on the farm, are now his tools to build the places for community gatherings.  Basically, he has changed his role from farming for his survival to serving a city with a noble cause.

Ramon’s numerous years of honesty and service were finally recognized at the national level when he was honored at Malacañang during the event Pagpupugay 2025: Parangal sa mga Lingkod Bayani on January 28, 2026. 

It was at that moment that he was officially bestowed with the Gawad Dangal ng Bayan, a highly prestigious award for outstanding public servants.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. administered the conferment of the award, but during the ceremony, the President was represented by Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto. The recognition was given to those public servants whose integrity, dedication, and service are genuinely worthy of the highest public trust, the values that Ramon had been practicing even before he became famous.

Ramon’s success stirred a strong feeling in the local government of Calbayog.

On hearing that a farmer from Calbayog had been given a national award, Vice Mayor Rex Daguman said:

“What moved me most was a great overflowing of pride and thankfulness. It was a strong reminder to us that virtue and hard work do not go unnoticed.”

For the city, the recognition was a symbol of unity.

“This award is not mine alone but to the whole of Calbayog. It puts our city at the top and gives a new face to the farmers’ dignity.”

The award also brought out the real value of farming.

“It represents that our farmers are more than just food providers;  they are the ones who are setting the example for us in the areas of integrity and excellence.”

Vice Mayor Daguman acknowledged the hardships farmers continue to face and offered words of encouragement:

“Your sacrifices matter. Your work feeds families, sustains communities, and inspires hope—please keep going.”

He reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to strengthening farmer support:

“We remain committed to improving access to training, resources, and livelihood support for our farmers.”

For the youth of Calbayog, Ramon’s story sends a powerful message:

“It proves that farming is honorable, meaningful, and a path to national recognition.”

According to Daguman, nurturing values-driven individuals is a core responsibility of governance.

“Our role is to create an environment where integrity is rewarded and service to the community is encouraged.”

Ramon’s life, he said, embodies these ideals.

“Through consistent honesty, hard work, and service, the awardee became a true example of public trust.”

In recognition of his achievements, the City Government of Calbayog formally honored Ramon on October 16, during the city’s 77th Charter Celebration, awarding him ₱50,000 as a token of appreciation.

Even after performing at a national level, Ramon is still down to earth. He has not left his post at the City Hall and gets his inspiration from that same motto he has been following all those times when he had no way or food.

“Let us work properly so we can achieve our goals.”

The story of Ramon Sumagang, from the far- flung area where he was once roaming to the palace of the President of the Republic of the Philippines, goes to prove one of the eternal spiritual laws: a pure and hard-working life led by integrity can be raised to the level of the highest national honor.