With the theme “Makabagong Magsasaka at Mangingisda, Susi sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas,” the opening ceremony also highlighted the celebratory re-awarding of DA RFO 02 as the Rank 1 Performing Regional Field Office nationwide for Fiscal Year 2024 under Cluster 1 during the 1st National Performance Appreciation System (PAS).

A recognition of an effective and efficient implementation of agricultural programs, which have significantly improved the lives of farmers and fisherfolk across the region.

As the month of May begins, so does a meaningful celebration dedicated to honoring the resilience, dedication, and unwavering service of our “unsung heroes”—the farmers and fisherfolk—whose contributions anchor the nation’s food security.

A special part of the ceremony was the installation of the Farmer Regional Executive Director for the Month of May 2025.

Ms. Bernadette T. Galoso, Chief of the Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division formally welcomed and introduced Mr. Dante B. Tobias, Chairman of the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Council 02, as FRED.

In his acceptance message, Tobias said, “Marami po tayong gagawin, marami pa tayong dapat gawin, at ang ultimate goal ng DA RFO 02 at ng ating programa ay ang mapaangat talaga ang ating maliliit na magsasaka. Kailangan talaga na mailapit ang totoong gobyerno sa ating mga magsasaka, sa ating kapwa Pilipino, at sa mga taga-Cagayan Valley. Hindi sila ang dapat maghintay sa atin—tayo ang pupunta, lalo na sa mga liblib na lugar at mga marginalized farmers—upang maibsan ang kahirapan at upang higit pang umangat ang antas ng ating rehiyon pagdating sa poverty reduction.”

In her inspirational address, Regional Executive Director Dr. Rose Mary G. Aquino expressed heartfelt appreciation and pride:

“I would like to welcome this aquilegia. This award is a manifestation of our unique teammanship—or our unique teamwork—within the DA-DOS system. We again manifest that we are truly DA-DOS. We are a dedicated agency consistently delivering outstanding services to our clients, especially farmers, and fishermen. And so, we are DA-DOS, AYOS!

“Eto lahat ay para sa atin. Gamitin po natin ito na inspirasyon araw-araw—whenever we serve, whether we are in the office, in the field, dealing with our farmers and fisherfolks, and the rest of the stakeholders na siyang sumusporta sa ating lahat.”

She also reflected on a message that struck her deeply, saying, “What truly stayed in my mind was the message of Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr.—which I recall emphasized four powerful keywords that we often hear during convocations, stakeholders’ consultations, MANCOM meetings, planning workshops, and other gatherings. These four keywords are Integrity—which is anchored on Accountability—Responsibility, and Transparency and Shared Action for our team.”

“Even without the PAS yet, DA-DOS is already working towards those four important keywords for this award.”

The event also included the Ceremonial Awarding of the Aquilegia trophy—a symbol of the agency’s achievement—led by RED Aquino, along with Regional Technical Directors, Division Chiefs, Section Chiefs, Units Heads, the Farmer-Director, and Research and Experiment Station Managers.

Impressions and congratulatory messages were shared by: Mr. Jaime Pagalilauan, Chief of the Finance and Administrative Division (FAD), represented by Mr. Joselyn Bosito, Supervising Administrative Officer, who said, “This recognition is a result of real teamwork, real dedication, and real service. So, let’s keep the momentum going. Let’s continue to support each other, give our best, and show the rest of the country what DA Region 02 is made of.”

Dr. Roberto Busania, RTD for Operations and Extension, expressed gratitude for the strong culture of collaboration within the region.

“Kami ay nagpapasalamat, tayo ay nagpapasalamat dahil sa kultura ng ating rehiyon na tayo ay nagtutulungan,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, Ms. Kay S. Olivas, RTD for Research and Regulations, highlighted the importance of cultural heritage, stating, “Cultural heritage represents DA RFO 02’s identity, history, and connection to the past, present, and future. Therefore, we must nurture, preserve, and continuously improve our pursuit of excellence.”

Sectoral messages were also delivered by farmer and youth representatives, highlighting the impact of government support on their respective communities.

Mr. Marlon Balunsat, a youth farmer from Tuao, Cagayan, expressed his gratitude:

“Your support to individuals, especially to us the young generations or known as the beacon of hope. Your support to us by providing less a million worth livelihood programs. Ang tagumpay na ito ay nagpapakita ng inyong pagmamahal at puso’t isipan na handang sumugal para sa mga kababayan nating magsasaka dito sa lambak ng Cagayan.”

Mr. Servando Gumabay, a Gawad Saka Awardee and corn farmer from Tuguegarao City, shared his message of perseverance:

“Sa kabila ng hamon na ating kinaharap, patuloy tayong magsikap at magtrabaho ng sama-sama upang mapabuti ang ating mga serbisyo, mapalago ang ating mga ani, ang ating pagsikap at pagbunga at ngayon tayo ay nakatayo bilang modelo ng kahusayan ng larangan ng agrikultura.”

Ms. Editha Manuel, a woman farmer from Peñablanca, Cagayan, acknowledged the continuous support from DA:

“Maraming salamat sa aming DA Family na laging sumusuporta sa amin na mga women farmers, lalo na sa RIC at lalo na sa KADIWA, dahil palaging napupunta yung mga product namin sa SM at Robinson. Malaking tulong sa aming mga farmers na maipromote ang aming products.”

The program concluded with the ceremonial blessing of the DA RFO 02 Agri-Van, officiated by Pastor Manimarico Callao, Agriculturist II of the Field Operations Division.

Funded by the 2024 National Rice Program, the van, to be operated by DA Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section is expected to enhance agricultural outreach and ensure more effective and faster dissemination of agricultural information to farmers and fishers across the region.

Via Paul Buenavista

Photos by Erwin Cachero and Dicksteine Pascual