The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 02 was recognized as the Rank 1 Performing Regional Field Office nationwide for Fiscal Year 2024 under cluster 1 during the 1st National Performance Appreciation System awarding ceremony held on April 29, 2025 at the Lopez Convention Hall, DA Bureau of Soils and Water Management, Diliman, Quezon City.

The recognition was based on the agency’s outstanding performance under the DA’s PAS framework, which evaluates four key dimensions of accountability: physical performance, financial performance, good governance, and citizen or client satisfaction.

DA-RFO 02 emerged as the highest-ranking region among all DA field offices nationwide under cluster 1.

The award was presented by Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr., together with DA Undersecretaries Atty. Alvin John F. Balagbag, Chief of Staff and Engr. Roger V. Navarro, Operations, Agri-Fisheries Mechanization and Rural Credit.

Under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Dr. Rose Mary G. Aquino, and through the strong support of Regional Technical Directors Dr. Roberto C. Busania of Operations and Extension and Ms. Kay S. Olivas of Research and Regulations along with division, section and unit chiefs, research center and experiment station managers, and regional banner program focal persons and all employees, this achievement was made possible.

However, the award would not have been possible without the contributions of the Regional Management Committee members, Local Government Units and all stakeholders. Their support in program implementation is acknowledged as a key factor in its attainment.

Likewise, this is a testament of an efficient and effective implementation of agricultural programs and projects that significantly contributed to the development of the agriculture sector and the improvement of the lives of farmers and fisherfolk in the region.

During the awarding, Secretary Laurel said, “To our awardees, congratulations. Your dedication and consistency are deeply appreciated and served as a triumph and strong encouragement for us to continue to make our best.”

He added, “Together through the shared effort, we can still improve and keep building a department that delivers a meaningful outcome to the communities we serve.”

Dr. Aquino was joined by RTD Busania and Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division Chief Ms. Bernadette T. Galoso during the awarding ceremony.

Meanwhile, this award will serve as an inspiration and motivation for DA RFO 02 to further strengthen the implementation of impactful programs and projects that will benefit the farmers and fisherfolk of the region — a testament to being a Dedicated Agency-Delivering Outstanding Services (DA-DOS) which is something to be proud of.

Via Paul Buenavista

Photos: AFID, DA Central Office