This is in line with the DA’s Memorandum Order issued in March 2017 which installs RAFC Chairpersons to assume the roles and responsibilities of every DA-Regional Director under the Farmer-Director Program for the month of May. This supports the recognition of farmers and fisherfolk as key players in agricultural and rural development. Moreover, Farmers and Fisherfolk Month is being celebrated every May of the year as per Presidential Proclamation No. 33.

Mr. Palunan was first installed as Farmer-Director last year and is recognized as the youngest director nationwide. In his response speech, Mr. Palunan committed to actively participate in the agri-activities in the region and to other functions delegated to him. In line with his youth engagement advocacy also, Mr. Palunan vows to encourage more youth to be engaged in agriculture.

DA-CAR Regional Executive Director Cameron P. Odsey, meanwhile, said that the roles and functions of the AFCs are important in the implementation of agri-programs and projects in the field. Hence, he is glad that Mr. Palunan is not new to the AFC and the DA-CAR as a whole. Accordingly, the itinerary of the farmer-director is set to be finalized next week during the agency’s management committee meeting.

As Farmer-Director, Mr. Palunan shall be assuming some functions of the regular RED primarily on routinary and semi-policy functions. He shall be provided with support for secretariat concerns, mobility, and communication. Moreover, he shall be provided with an incentive of Php50,000.00 to be sourced from the DA-RFO.//JBAgrifino