DA-NorMin observes the agency’s 125th founding anniversary, while commending its workforce.

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Bearing this year’s theme, “Kagawaran ng Agrikultura: 125 Taong Naglilingkod Tungo sa Masaganang Agrikultura at Maunlad na Ekonomiya,” the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) celebrated the agency’s founding anniversary.

On June 23, 2023, at the El Garaje, DA-10 Compound, in this city, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado led the said observance and recognized the dedication and commitment of the DA-NorMin personnel in hurdling the challenges in the delivery of services towards the promotion of agricultural development.

“Looking back, the COVID-19 pandemic has tested us with our measures on how to sustain the unhampered movement of agricultural products and services,” the agri exec remarked.

With the heightened food demand is equally the public’s appreciation on valuing the significance of producing their own food, he went on to note.

“We gained improvements with our performance in our quest to enhance and serve with excellence the different local government units (LGUs), farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs), national government agencies (NGAs) and other relevant stakeholders to ensure food security,” Dir. Collado accounted, saying his almost seven-year stint with the Agri-10 department has been an enriching experience.

Meanwhile, in an excerpt from the DA anniversary video message of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. shown during the said program, “Marami talaga na wala talagang iniisip at wala ng ibang ginagawa kung hindi makahanap ng paraan para pagandahin ang buhay ng ating mga magsasaka, para patibayin ang ating tinatawag na food supply.” he said, who concurrently serves as the agriculture secretary.

The agri chief also lauded the DA workforce’s help in harnessing the agricultural sector as a potent tool in ‘ensuring food sustainability, generating employment opportunities, and mitigating poverty’.

Reportedly, the agriculture sector posted a growth of 2.2%, contributing to 9.1% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

PBBM further pinned his hopes that factoring in the different elements – expertise, experience, and motivation, DA will continue to champion the welfare of farmers, fishers, and rural communities in the coming years.

“Alalahanin natin lagi: napakalaki at napakahalagang bahagi ang ginagampanan ng agriculture sector at ang pagpaganda ng agriculture sector ay kasama na ‘yan, katumbas na niyan ang pagpaganda sa Pilipinas,” the president said, capping off his message.

Founded as the Department of Agriculture and Manufacturing, DA became one of the first government agencies created just eleven days after the proclamation of the Philippine Independence in 1898.

Supporting the quasquicentennial celebration of the agri department is Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and RTD for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, the Management Committee (ManCom) members, personnel and support staff of DA-10. # (JLO/Photo credits: RDMElloren, MPMTablon)