CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) paid tribute to six of its retiring employees during its “Salamat Mabuhay, Retirees” ceremony on Monday, June 23, here.

Spearheaded by the agency’s Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Committee, the said event recognizes the invaluable contributions of said personnel who have dedicated on average three decades to public service, in accordance with the Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 7, Series of 1998.

Leading the rite in conferring the retirees with plaques and tokens of appreciation is Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, regional technical directors Carlota S. Madriaga and Cora A. Dumayaca, who is also the PRAISE committee chairperson, the different division and section chiefs, and witnessed by other DA-10 staff and guests.

In his message, RED Pacamalan extended his appreciation for the retirees’ perseverance in government service. “Working in the government is not easy, but you have succeeded—and today, you are being honored for that,” the agri exec remarked.

For her part, RTD Dumayaca lauded the retirees for their drive toward contributing to the agency’s goals. “Each of you has a unique journey ahead. Thank you for your dedication and commitment,” the assistant director conveyed.

Capping off the ceremony, RTD Madriaga espoused on the resilience and passion demonstrated by the retirees for their enduring government service. “Work wouldn’t be fulfilling without challenges, and you faced them with dedication and commitment,” adding the late Pope Francis’ lessons for peace and happiness, urging not only the retirees but the whole strength of DA-10 to cultivate inner peace and compassion in one’s life.

Below is the complete list of the retirees, including their years of service:

  • Lorenzita Z. Caumban, Agriculturist II, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) — 40 years
  • Chona H. Nacalaban, Supervising Agriculturist, Field Operations Division — 38 years
  • Carmelito R. Lapoot, Agricultural Center Chief III, Research Division — 37 years
  • Joel J. Gabo, Senior Science Research Specialist, Research Division — 36 years
  • (+) Larry E. Paramulan, Chief Agriculturist, AMAD — 35 years
  • Danilo E. Alacida, Security Guard I, Research Division — 34 years

The ceremony also coincided with the DA’s 127th founding anniversary, themed: “DA@127: Kaisa ng Magsasaka’t Mangingisda Tungo sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas.”# (JLO)