Some 595 newly licensed agriculturists take oath in Region 10.
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Some newly licensed agriculturists took oath recently before Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) Board Member of Agriculture Dr. Eric P. Palacpac, in a ceremony organized by the Philippine Association of Agriculturists (PAA) – Northern Mindanao Pineapple chapter in coordination with PRC-10.
Guests include former PAA National chapter president Dr. Rosalina M. Lapitan, and previous PAA National chapter treasurer, Dr. Jessica D. Rey.
From taking the Licensure Examination for Agriculturist (LEA) in November of last year, 595 successful examinees belonging to the 34.57% who passed the nationwide board exam, as released by the PRC Board of Agriculture on December 8, 2022, were congratulated by DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, who is at the same time the PAA-NorMin Pineapple chapter president.
The activity was supported by the Department of Agriculture-10 through OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado.
Notably, inducted also were the topnotchers of said exam from NorMin state universities and colleges, including Naomi Grace M. Lancita (top 1), who hails from the Visayas State University but is from Lanao del Norte province.
Other topnotchers include John Michael G. Lajera (top 3, Central Mindanao University), Cyril Ann A. Cabido (top 5, Xavier University), Erna S. Macusi (top 8, Xavier University), Keeven Dave D. Balaba (top 9, Central Mindanao University), Vincent G. Dagium (top 9, Camiguin Polytechnic State College), and Neil Martin I. Mendoza (top 10, Central Mindanao University).
“Welcome to the noble world of agriculturists. With the plight of the increasing average age of farmers, more than ever the agriculture sector needs the youth to commit with the passion and advocacies of developing the agriculture sector of the country. We need you—our country needs all of you,” RTD Madriaga remarked.
Likewise, the director noted the waning interest of the youth in pursuing agriculture, forestry, and fisheries degree programs, and the great need to encourage the youth to engage in agriculture.
She also reiterated the opportunities in these industries and the support that DA provides to ensure strengthening assistance and interventions for the agriculturists in the country.
Careers in the agriculture and forestry industry are involved in preserving and protecting environmental resources while sustaining food production and aiming to attain food security, sufficiency, and sustainability.
RTD Madriaga elaborated that agriculturists make up one of the largest industries, sources of employment in the country, and contribution to the world economy.
Further, the director encouraged the inductees to venture into agripreneurship for its promising potential to address rural poverty, spur economic growth, and encourage job creation among farmers and fisherfolk.
Meanwhile, the Chief officer of PRC-10 Connie A. Embarong, PhD also presented the initial registration steps for new passers and reminded them of their obligation to carry and practice their profession with integrity and excellence.
On the other hand, Dr. Palacpac motivated the board passers to continue to hone their knowledge and skills to be effective professionals and advised them to be accountable for their licenses by being responsible agriculturists.
Furthermore, Dr. Lapitan guarantees opportunities in the field of agriculture which is now highly supported by the government. She also convinced the new agriculturists to become members of PAA.
As a professional organization, the PAA engages professional agriculturists-members, concerned government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the academe for the implementation of agricultural advocacy, various programs and initiatives, and the promotion of the agriculture profession among the youth.
Individuals with a Professional License in Agriculture, those with a Baccalaureate Degree in Agriculture and/or its allied sciences and who are involved in agriculture-related development activities, and compliant with the PAA by-laws are eligible to apply for membership to the PAA through its website www.PAAPh.org.
Interested individuals can apply by submitting their personal information and specifying their affiliated regional chapter, as well as process the renewal of their membership and settle their membership dues.# (RLTolentino)