As part of the celebration of the bureau’s 68th founding anniversary, the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) recognized outstanding employees during the Praise Committee Awarding Ceremony on June 10, 2019 at the BSWM Convention Hall.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Senator Cynthia A. Villar, Agriculture Undersecretary for Operations Ariel T. Cayanan, BSWM OIC-Director Angel C. Enriquez, and BSWM OIC-Assistant Director Edna Samar led the awarding of plaques to the awardees.
Villar praised the bureau for its exemplary contribution to sustain country’s soil and water resources. She said the role of the BSWM is to formulate measures and effective utilization of soil and water management to sustain agriculture and to fight against threats from land degradation.
“When soil and water in agriculture is affected, as chain of reaction, it will also affect many sectors and ultimately the lives of people,” Villar said.
“I hope the BSWM will remain on track in ensuring the sustainability of our soils and water resources for the future generations of the Filipinos,” she added.
Villar said the local government should promote the establishment of facilities for sorting, collecting and composting to decrease its community waste.
“If 80% of the solid waste were composted every year, the community will be able to save at least P300 million a year and spend P100 million a year in the facility,” Villar said.
She also committed to support legislation of participatory guarantor system for the certification of organic farms.
Meanwhile, Director Enriquez encouraged employees to always provide great work even with or without recognition. She said knowing their purpose will allow them to love their work.
“We will still face challenges but we will face with brave heart and a heart beating as one,” Enriquez said.
During the event, DA-BSWM awarded the municipalities of Moncada in Tarlac, Naic in Cavite, Surallah in South Cotabato, and city of Tacloban as successful implementers of Composting Facilities for Biodegradable Wastes (CFBW).
Another highlight of the event is the recognition of the employees who served the bureau for 15, 20, and 35 years. DA-BSWM also gave special citation to non-supervisory and supervisory technical and administrative support employees, employees who pursued to develop their career, and those who continue to serve despite risk for their safety. ### (Kristel Merle, DA-AFID)
