In any organization in the world, human resources are the best assets for them to thrive. It’s as much about what they do to prepare an organization to lead by example in this trying time.

This tough time, as part of the celebration of the 122nd founding anniversary of the DA, the Regional Field Office No. 02 acknowledged the sacrifices and efforts of its employees, today, June 23, 2020.

“We, in DA, recognizes our employees for their contribution to attaining food security in the country. Today as we celebrate our 122nd anniversary since founded eleven days after the proclamation of the Philippine Independence, our agency played a vital role in the country’s food production,” said Regional Executive Director Narciso A. Edillo.

We faced obstacles since the establishment of this very agency, he said, adding, “the human resource is essential from both failure and success.”

That means, it is imperative to acknowledge the silent staff and those who have been working tirelessly and silently during this pandemic.

Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulatory Rose Mary Aquino praised the employees from its research centers, experiment stations, and those involved in the skeleton workforce since day one of lockdown in the country.

“There were instances that our staff from a station were brought to a police station to explain by delivering their service to far-flung areas,” she added. It is part of our being a government employee, who took an oath to serve the people to the best of our abilities with dedication and integrity, she lamented.

Aquino called on the seventeen loyalty awardees of the department who have been in service for 15-40 years.

“I challenge you to leave a mark, to our young people, train them and make them like you. This loyalty you have given to the country and DA is impeccable. You have dedicated your lives to serve the people. And I thank you for your service,” Aquino stressed.

“We will continue to work with all the agencies and local government units to serve our country and the Cagayan Valley region to achieve a food-secure nation,” said Dr. Roberto Busania, Regional Technical Director for operations.

In his Facebook live, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said, “Every challenge provides the institution an excellent opportunity to infuse a renewed sense of purpose among its leaders and personnel. Sa panahong ito lalong tumitingkad ang kahalagahan ng Department of Agriculture at ng mga serbisyong binibigay nito sa mga sakahan at pangisdaan. Atin itong pinatunayan na marami sa atin ang walang takot at pagaaalinlangan ng hinarap ang banta ng Covid-19 at pumasok bilang bahagi ng scheduled force ng gobyerno kasama ang iba pang frontliners tulad ng ating mga doktor, nurses, pulis at sundalo.”

“Kaya naman akmang-akma ang tema at napapanahon ang pagdiriwang ngayong taon “Agrikultura ang Pagasa sa kabila ng pandemya.” Minarapat naming gamitin ang okasyong ito upang bigyan pagkilala ang kabayanihan ng ating mga frontliner sa ating hanay. Isa rin itong magandang pagkakataon para maipahayag ko sa inyo ang taos puso kong pasasalamat sa lahat ng inyong pakikiisa, pagtitiyaga at pagsisikap na maipatupad ang programa at proyektong ipinapatupad natin ngayon,” Dar added.

The fight of Covid-19 is still ongoing. A battle faced with so many hindrances.

Many were left hanging, but this established relation to men and women of DA to continue to work towards a food-secure and the resilient Philippines with prosperous farmers and fishers.

The loyalty award is given to the following:

15 years in service

  1. Mr. Emelito Yuro

25 years in service

  1. Ms. Ma. Rosario Paccarangan
  2. Mr. Stanley Ramirez

30 years in service

  1. Ms. Nenita Abad
  2. Ms. Ronancy Marquez
  3. Ms. Arceli Francisca Monforte
  4. Ms. Editha Taguba
  5. Mr. Romeo Torres
  6. Ms. Regina Pagaduan
  7. Ms. Violeta Castillo
  8. Ms. Linden Guinucay
  9. Mr. Roynic Aquino

35 years in service

  1. Ms. Virginia Apostol

40 years in service

  1. Mr. Vicente Cabalza Jr.
  2. Ms. Mayda Callueng
  3. Mr. Lorenzo Caranguian
  4. Ms. Edelwina Valdez

Meanwhile, the units recognized for their effort in sustaining food availability even during this pandemic, are as follow:

Finance and Administrative Division, Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section, Philippine Rural Development, Field Operations Division, Research and Development and its research center and experiment station, Office of the Regional Executive Director, Integrated Laboratory Division, Agribusiness, and Marketing Assistance Division, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division. ###