With the theme, “Kagawaran ng Agrikultura: 125 Taong Naglilingkod Tungo sa Masaganang Agrikultura at Maunlad na Ekonomiya,” the Department of Agriculture (DA) started its week-long anniversary celebration on June 23, 2023.
“Nagpupugay ako ngayon sa ating mga empleyado hindi lamang po sa national kundi pati sa regional (offices ng DA),” Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban said. He also recognized the DA regional directors who ensure the effective delivery of services to the farmers and fisherfolk in support of the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who concurrently serves as DA Secretary.
“Hopefully in the next 125 years, the future leaders of the DA will see to it that what we are doing today and tomorrow will be the guide post that we will do in the next 125 years,” Undersecretary Panganiban said.
DA Undersecretary for Administration and Finance Agnes Catherine Miranda also recognized the 125 years of dedicated service of the men and women in the Department.
“Generations after generations of public servants in this Department were instrumental in building the foundations of strong, productive, and prosperous Philippine agri-fishery sector,” she said.
She added that despite the many challenges faced by the agency such as natural calamities, plant and animal diseases, complex geopolitical issues, and constraints to fiscal resources, the agency remained committed to serve its clients – the farmers, fisherfolk, and the Filipino people.
Moreover, the undersecretary encouraged the DA employees to become more competent, reliable, and dedicated public servants with a genuine heart to help the sector reach its full potential.
“To our farmers and fisherfolk, rest assured that the Department remains committed in helping you become productive and prosperous as it been in the past 125 years,” Undersecretary Miranda said.
Key officials of the DA including Undersecretary Panganiban, Undersecretary Miranda, and Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Esther Bayate led the ribbon-cutting of the DA Anniversary exhibit, which features some of the major accomplishments of the agency under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
