Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stressed the importance of unity and collective action in achieving the department’s goals during the celebration of the Department of Agriculture’s 127th founding anniversary.
With the theme, “Kaisa ng Magsasaka’t Mangingisda Tungo sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas”, this year’s celebration highlights the vital role of the DA in empowering farmers and fishers toward building a food-secure and progressive nation.
In his keynote message, Tiu Laurel noted that this year, the country is expected to hit a record high in sugar production, and if spared from typhoons, may also achieve a record yield in palay (rice) production.
Beyond these achievements, the agriculture chief emphasized that the welfare of the Filipino people must remain the top priority, highlighting the need for continued unity and cooperation among all sectors with the launch of the P20 rice program.
“Tuloy-tuloy ang koordinasyon at pagkakaisa, hindi lamang sa loob ng DA kundi pati na rin sa ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan, upang makamit natin ang ating mga layunin,” the agriculture head said.
“Mahalaga na huwag nating kalimutan ang ating mga magsasaka, mangingisda, at mga nag-aalaga ng baboy.”
“Mahalaga na huwag nating kalimutan ang ating mga magsasaka, mangingisda, at mga nag-aalaga ng baboy—ang kanilang mga pangangailangan ay kailangang matugunan sa lalong madaling panahon,” he added.
Moreover, a total of 101 loyalty awardees were honored at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) Convention Hall as part of the DA’s celebration through its Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE).
The PRAISE awarding ceremony recognized DA officials and employees who have rendered continuous and satisfactory service for at least 10 years, and every five years thereafter.
Tiu Laurel praised the dedication and resilience of DA officials and employees, acknowledging their unwavering service and perseverance despite the many challenges they have faced.
“Ngayong araw, hayaan niyo ako na pasalamatan kayo sa mga araw na kahit pagod na ay pinipili pa rin pumasok. Sa mga overtime na di na mabilang, at sa mga ngiting kahit kupas na ay totoo pa rin,” he said.
Tiu Laurel also expressed his appreciation to all personnel, from officials at the Central Office to field staff in the regions, recognizing their dedication, loyalty, and compassion throughout his nearly two years of service as DA Secretary.
“Sa ating pagtutulungan, makakamit natin ang isang agrikulturang masagana, makabago, at matatag na agrikultura.”
“Patuloy tayo na nagkakaisa, sa pamumuno ni President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., at sa ating pagtutulungan, makakamit natin ang isang agrikulturang masagana, makabago, at matatag na agrikultura,” he said.
As a highlight of the event, DA employees joined Tiu Laurel and other DA officials in the ceremonial ribbon cutting of the photo and product exhibit featuring photos of all DA employees in their Filipiniana attires, proudly displayed to honor their contributions and celebrate their role in advancing Philippine agriculture.
Meanwhile, as part of the week-long celebration, all DA bureaus and attached agencies/corporations also set up booths featuring their services to the public. It is a one-stop shop for their services instead of the public going to their offices separately.
This year’s product exhibit, on the other hand, promotes products from the regions and also of the DA employees’.
The public may visit and purchase from these booths from June 23 to June 27.
