Agri-10 honors 2025 retirees for decades of service
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — In line with the Civil Service Commission’s thrust of humanizing the bureaucracy per Memorandum Circular No. 7, Series of 1998, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (Agri-10) paid tribute to its 2025 retirees in recognition of their decades-long contribution to agri-fishery development in Northern Mindanao during a ceremony held on December 12 in this city.
Leading the rite were Agri-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, together with OIC-Regional Technical Director for Operations Viralou L. Tuquib, DVM, and OIC-Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Lana May S. Racines, who also chairs the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Committee, the organizer of the event.
This year’s honorees include:
– Carlota S. Madriaga, Director III – 44 years
– Eduardo N. Pit, PhD, Chief Agriculturist – 39 years
– Chirly L. Galgo, Farm Worker I – 38 years
– Jaime P. Jerusalem, Farm Worker I – 36 years
– Janet D. Lopez, Agricultural Center Chief II – 35 years
– Dionesio B. Cagampang, Electronics and Communications Equipment Technician II – 33 years
– Tomas I. Manatad, Security Guard I – 26 years
– Wendelyn T. Toraja, Science Research Specialist II – 10 years
RTD Tuquib cited the retirees as role models who shaped the work ethic and service culture of Agri-10. “Sila atoang mga models ug examples nga atong gisundog—sila ang nagtudlo unsaon pagpanarbaho ug paghatag serbisyo sa atong kliyente sa DA,” she said. The director added that as they transition out of government service, they may need time to adjust after identifying with their roles in work for so many years.
In his message, RED Pacamalan commended the retirees for their resilience throughout changing political and institutional landscapes. “You have worked under different presidents, secretaries, and regional executive directors. Whether those years were the best or the most challenging, what matters is that you endured various types of leadership,” he said.
He further lauded their passion and commitment: “Your tireless efforts have cultivated growth and nurtured progress in the DA. Your legacy will inspire the younger generation. May your retirement be a time of peace, joy, and fulfillment.” Pacamalan also urged existing personnel to embrace the ongoing challenge of ensuring food security and supporting farmers, noting that expectations continue to grow. “People look to us as models and mentors. Always aspire to do more, go beyond what we’re used to, and find value in what you do. Let us work as a team and strive to stand out among all regions,” he added.
Meanwhile, RTD Racines acknowledged the often-unrecognized sacrifices of government workers. “Ang dedication sa atong mga government service men and women, grabe kaayo! Many work tirelessly without acknowledgment—but your service to the government, and the families waiting for you at home, is worth all the sacrifice,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Director III Carlota S. Madriaga reflected on their shared journey. “Resilient gyud mi, mao pod ang gibati sa akong mga fellow retirees. We owe much to our agency and to our children—because of DA, we stayed. The dedication and compassion for service, especially working with our farmers, kept us going,” she said. She also enjoined her fellow retirees to embrace their new paths: “May your next journeys be fulfilling. Enjoy your journey at your own pace.”
As a gesture of appreciation, each retiree received cash gifts, plaques and tokens honoring their longstanding public service, witnessed by the Agri-10 Management Committee and other personnel.
This year’s celebration carried the theme: “DA-10 Bringing Back the NINE-T: Nurturing Integrity and Nourishing Excellence – Together.”# (JLO)
