Recognizing Agriculture Secretary William Dar’s outstanding and exemplary contributions in the field of public service and Philippine agriculture sector, the Central Luzon State University (CLSU), led by President Edgar Orden, conferred on him an honorary degree Doctor of Humanities, during the university’s 69th commencement, on July 9, 2021, in Munoz, Nueva Ecija.
“It gives me a certain level of comfort that my career in agriculture spanning four decades has contributed in helping farmers and fisherfolk secure the quality of life they richly deserve,” Secretary Dar said during the hybrid physical and virtual graduation ceremony, where he served as guest of honor and speaker.
He added that “it is humbling and fulfilling at the same time, and inspires me to work harder to continue our mission in providing safe, nutritious, affordable and accessible food for all Filipinos.”
The CLSU cited that Secretary Dar’s initiatives continue to help modernize the country’s agriculture and fishery sector, industrialize the food value chain, digitize farming and agribusiness activities, systematize and strategize the development and promotion of farm and fishery exports, support farm consolidation, and engage the private sector and other stakeholders in the development of commodity industry roadmaps.
This is the agri chief’s ninth honorary doctorate degree bestowed on him by prestigious state universities and colleges in the country.
He urged the CLSU graduates to serve the agriculture sector and contribute to the country’s socio-economic development.
“When you leave here today, you carry with you the respect of your fellow citizens. You will represent a recognized institution with more than a century of history and hope on its side. Your charge now is not only to serve our farmers, but to make our country better,” he said.
He also enjoined the CLSU scientists, researchers, and alumni to continue supporting the programs of the Department of Agriculture (DA) towards a modern, prosperous, and resilient agri-fishery sector, and a food-secure nation.
He urged the CLSU to pursue research for development, instead of research and development, emphasizing that the change of term captures the DA’s “new thinking in agriculture.”
“Research must deliver technologies and innovations that can be truly utilized in the field, integrated in the value chain, in the food systems, and deliver increased agri-productivity, management efficiencies, and additional opportunities and incomes,” the agri chief added, noting that research must not end in journals alone, but applied productively for the benefit of farming and fishing communities.
He challenged the CLSU to transform research for development from mere words into a spirit and an ethic or “an engine that drives innovation and unleashes the potential of people, particularly the youth.” ### (Gumamela Celes Bejarin, DA-AFID)
