Tacloban: The Tacloban National Agricultural School (TNAS) has secured a nomination for the national level of the Gawad Saka Awards after emerging as one of the top-performing agricultural schools in Eastern Visayas, now ranking among the top three contenders nationwide out of 213 nominees. City Agriculturist Romelo Anade said in an interview Thursday that the school qualified for the national competition under the Urban and Peri-Urban Agricultural Garden category.

According to Philippines News Agency, the school advanced to the national stage after earning a spot in the regional "Magic 5" shortlist, placing third among 26 entries from the six provinces of Eastern Visayas. The recognition highlights the school's agricultural innovations, best practices, and significant contributions to promoting urban agriculture initiatives in Tacloban City, Anade said.

He noted that the city government, together with partner agencies, has intensified support for the school over the past three years through various agricultural programs. "Before, many people did not even know that it was an agricultural school, so that became one of our challenges," Anade said.

Last year, the school placed second in the regional category of the Gawad Saka Awards, an annual recognition program honoring outstanding individuals and institutions in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. TNAS is the only specialized agricultural public high school in Tacloban City. Established on June 5, 1995, under Republic Act 8034, the school integrates traditional secondary education with modern, climate-smart agricultural training.

The Gawad Saka is the Department of Agriculture's highest annual award, honoring outstanding Filipino farmers, fisherfolk, scientists, researchers, and institutions for their contributions to agricultural and fisheries development.