Underlining the valuable contributions and accomplishments of the Association towards the welfare of its member-employees, the Department of Agriculture Employees Association (DAEA) – National Executive Council (NEC) leads the 20th DAEA Founding Anniversary celebration on February 19-23, 2024 at the DA-Central Office Compound in Diliman, Quezon City.

Themed, “Dalawang DAEAkadang Sama-samang Paglilingkod”, the opening program highlighted the recognition of 23 Natatanging DAEANs nationwide who have made significant contributions during their stint as DAEA Officers. Among them are Dr. Luis P. Lang-oy and Mr. Robert L. Domoguen who served as former presidents of the DAEA-CAR Chapter from 2009-2022 and 2006-2009, respectively. Both of them have already retired from public service as of last year but their legacies live on in the Association. DA Undersecretary (USec) Roger Navarro representing DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr., and DAEA-NEC President Alvin John Paul Dirain personally awarded the Plaques of Recognition to the awardees during the Gawad Parangal para sa Natatanging DAEANs Ceremony at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management Convention Hall on February 19, 2024.

DA Secretary Tiu Laurel, in his message delivered by USec Navarro, said that the ceremony is a milestone to honor the Natatanging DAEANs and formally recognize their contributions not just to the association but to the Department as well. He further recognizes that the DA employees are the backbone of the Department, thus, a harmonious relationship with employees needs to be built, adding that “a happy and contented employee is a productive employee.” With that, the Agri Chief encouraged the DA employees to continuously work hand-in-hand or sama-sama and sustain their standing service to the agri-stakeholders.

The awarding of Natatanging DAEANs is the first-ever recognition held and will continue to be conducted in the coming years, DAEA-NEC Pres. Dirain reported. He noted that Secretary Tiu Laurel has already signed and approved the DAEA-NEC Resolution No. 2024-01 declaring the National DAEA Day every 19th of February or the nearest Monday or week to commemorate the National DAEA Founding Anniversary.

Prior to the recognition of the remarkable DAEANs, the Civil Service Commission Certificate of Registration was formally awarded to the DAEA-NEC followed by the Opening of the DAEA Photo Exhibit after the Flag Raising Ceremony. A KaDAEAwa Bazaar is also being held until February 23, 2024, at the DA-Central Office Lobby as part of the week-long DAEA Anniversary celebration.//Janice B. Agrifino