With the theme “Reflecting Christ in Public Service,” the celebration aimed to instill in employees the more profound significance of Holy Week and the character of Jesus Christ—who suffered, died, and rose again for the forgiveness of sins in the performance of their duties as public servants.

The overview of the activity was presented by Regional Technical Director for Operations and Extension Dr. Roberto Busania presented an overview of the activity, emphasizing the importance of valuing the teachings of our Savior.

“Through this interfaith activity, we are reminded of how we can embrace and give value to our Lord Jesus Christ. All His teachings and experiences during His three-year ministry are found in the Bible and other scriptures available for us to read. By doing so, we can draw ourselves closer to our Savior,” the Director expressed.

In her opening message, RED Aquino emphasized the significance of the Filipino Food Month celebration. “We are celebrating this month the Filipino Food Month—or World Food Month. Sa ganitong pagkakataon, ang naaalala natin ay ang bounty na meron tayo because of the Department of Agriculture working hand in hand with our farmers and fisherfolks. Tayo ay instrumento, tayo ay catalyst kung bakit tayo ay nagsu-survive. And of course, with the help of God, ang ating mga magsasaka ay patuloy na lumalaban despite all symptoms or signs of fatigue,” RED Aquino said.

She also related the celebration to the observance of the Lenten season.

“As we celebrate this Filipino Food Month, tayo sana na nagtatrabaho for our farmers and fisherfolk ay makita rin natin ito as an opportunity to feed our souls—spiritually. Para sa ganun, tuloy-tuloy ang magandang serbisyo natin, ang magandang hangarin natin na magsilbi sa gobyerno, lalo na dito sa DA.”

She also shared an inspirational verse, quoting: “Do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,” followed by the words: “Work, Job, and Service.”

“We need to work as one, with a common goal of extending the best services na ine-expect ng ating mga kliyente at stakeholders in general—na may kasamang job na may tunay na serbisyo, may sakripisyo,” she underscored.

RED Aquino ended her message with a meaningful reminder: “With this interfaith celebration and the observance of Lent, this is the best time for us to repent and to change for the better.”
The program proceeded with the Prayer and Call to Worship led by Hector U. Tabbun, Chief of the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section.

This was followed by inspirational messages from three invited pastors from various denominations: Pastor Jose Sario Poblete of Victory Church Tuguegarao (also an entrepreneur), Pastor Jesus Mar Cacbay Jr. of Jesus is Alive Community, Isabela (a farmer pastor), and Pastor Domingo Tallud, Senior Pastor and host from the Church of Christ, Tuguegarao. The Music and Tech Team of Victory Church Tuguegarao also lent their support to the celebration.

The pastors shared spiritual reflections centered on the renewal of life through the power of the cross and the sacrifice of Christ. Their messages served as a reminder of the transformative strength found in faith and service.

Following the messages, Mr. Manimarico M. Callao, Agriculturist II from the Field Operations Division, delivered the DA Response.

He reminded everyone, “Huwag nating kakalimutan, huwag nating kakaligtaan yung ating purpose sa mundo. Magkaroon tayo ng pagmamahalan sa bawat isa, mahalin natin hindi lang yung ka-office mate natin kundi pati yung ibang sections.”

He emphasized that “Reflecting Christ through service is a very positive way for broad and transformation,” adding that if we continually align our lives with Christ’s teachings, we embody the values He exemplified. “Lahat ng kanilang itinuro rito, lahat ay halimbawa ng Panginoong Diyos,” he concluded.

Closing the event was Ms. Kay S. Olivas, RTD for Research and Regulations, who shared a moving message inspired by Pope Francis:

“Let us journey together in hope; we are the pilgrimage of hope.”

“At sabi ko,” she added, “pilgrimage of hope ito para sa ating mga magsasaka, mangingisda, at agricultural stakeholders, dahil sila ay umaasa sa atin. We are a pilgrimage of hope to the needy and lowly, to the children who need our support, to the sick and the lonely. A pilgrimage of hope to our families—and to ourselves.”

She concluded with a meaningful reflection: “We leave this to you, my dear brothers and sisters, for you to reflect during this Lenten season, for your self-renewal.”

This Interfaith Celebration and retreat marked a historic first for DA RFO 02. It served as a testament that regardless of religious affiliation, we can come together as one family of God.

Story and photos by Paul Buenavista