Agriculture Secretary William Dar addressed the employees of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to take a bigger role and to have a renewed sense of purpose as the nation embraces the new normal during the DA 122nd founding anniversary on June 23, 2020 at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management Convention Hall.
With the celebration’s theme, “Agrikultura ang Pag-asa sa Kabila ng Pandemya,” the DA held a simple ceremony while observing social distancing to highlight the continued relevance of the agriculture sector particularly during a state of public health emergency.
In his message, Secretary Dar stressed the important role played by DA for the country’s development since it was established just 11 days after the proclamation of the Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898. He also reflected on the different challenges faced by the department and how its services will stay relevant as the nation adapts to the new normal.
“Today, DA celebrates its anniversary hounded by concerns about its capability to respond to the demands of the present as well as the future. In particular, the entire nation is banking on DA’s work and leadership to provide every Filipino family with adequate, accessible, and affordable food and our food producers’ efficient income during this Covid-19 pandemic,” Secretary Dar said.
He added that amid the pandemic, the DA continues to confront issues on poverty, food insecurity, environmental degradation, and climate change that have affected the productivity and profitability of the agriculture sector.
“However, every challenge provides the institution an excellent opportunity to reinfuse a renewed sense of purpose among its leaders and personnel. Sa panahong ito, lalong tumitingkad ang kahalagahan ng Department of Agriculture at ng mga serbisyong ibinibigay nito sa sektor ng sakahan at pangisdaan,” Dar said.
During the ceremony, the agri chief and DA officials recognized the courage and service of the department’s frontliners and skeleton workforce for continuing to serve clients even with the threat of Covid-19.
The agri chief said, “Kayo ang susi sa marami nating tagumpay at biyayang patuloy na nakakamit ng ating kagawaran. You are the real frontliners in the area of agriculture.”
Loyalty awards were also given to 63 DA employees with at least 10 years of service in the department.
The secretary said the event not only celebrates the department’s endurance and stability, but also the strength, solidarity, commitment, and discipline of its personnel. Thus, he encouraged them to rely on their ingenuity in the face of uncertainties.
“When confronted by the unexpected, we must be creative. We must be brave. We must be audacious. And we must be unified,” he said. ### (Gumamela Celes Bejarin, DA-AFID)
