Cuban peasants will continue working for the benefit of the nation, as affirmed by Adolfo Alvarado Esquijaroza, who was decorated today during an act of the National Association of Small Farmers (ANAP). The ceremony was attended by Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (CCPCC) and President of the Republic.

Alvarado Esquijaroza, who received the Honorary Title of Hero of Labor of the Republic of Cuba and the Gold Star from the Cuban leader, noted that these awards are both an honor and an incentive to keep contributing to Cuba and the peasant organization to which he has dedicated himself, having served over forty years on the National Directorate.

He added that the men and women of the countryside maintain a living commitment to advancing production to support the country's economy, even in such difficult times.

In addition to the title and the star recognizing labor excellence and contributions to the Homeland, the Head of State also presented the Order of May 17 to associates with a distinguished track record within ANAP and relevant results in productive activities.

Furthermore, the Romárico Cordero Medal and the Antero Regalado Distinction were bestowed upon ANAP members who possess significant professional histories within the sector.

In exclusive statements to the Cuban News Agency, Bárbara Alpízar Águila, recipient of the Antero Regalado Distinction, expressed that it is a source of pride to receive this award, which demonstrates the value of peasant women in the mission of providing food to the people.

She pointed out that, at a time when the hostility of the U.S. government toward Cuba is increasing, ANAP has the task of continuing to support the country from its own trench: agricultural production.

Also present at the event were Political Bureau members Manuel Marrero Cruz, Prime Minister of the Republic; Salvador Valdés Mesa, Vice President of the Republic; and Roberto Morales Ojeda, Secretary of Organization of the CCPCC, alongside Félix Duarte Ortega, President of ANAP.

Attending as a special guest was Commander of the Rebel Army José Ramón Machado Ventura.

Other members of the Political Bureau, the Party Secretariat, and various officials and representatives of the State, the Government, the Revolutionary Armed Forces, the Ministry of the Interior, and different political, mass, and youth organizations also participated.

These state decorations were carried out as part of the activities commemorating Peasant Day and the 65th anniversary of ANAP.

On May 17, 1959, Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz signed the Agrarian Reform Law in the Sierra Maestra, an event that marked the transformation of the lives of farmers in the nation; therefore, Peasant Day is celebrated on that date.

Two years later, the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution established ANAP, which was called to be the vanguard of the Cuban peasantry.