To celebrate sustainable agricultural development through empowered farmers and good governance, the Department of Agriculture—Cordillera (DA-CAR) commemorates its 37th year of foundation today, July 1, 2025, in Guisad, Baguio City.

Themed “A Celebration of Sustainable Agricultural Development Through Empowered Farmers and Good Governance”, the activity was blessed by Father Eugene Ofo-ob of the Holy Innocents Episcopal Church through a Thanksgiving Mass.

In her welcome remarks, DA-CAR Regional Executive Director Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan underscored the importance of empowering farmers through good governance. “Today, we warmly welcome our partners as we celebrate our anniversary and reflect on the journey we’ve taken together. They are here to share their valuable insights—highlighting areas where we can still improve, recognizing what is expected of us, and celebrating the efforts where we have done our best. These honest and constructive testimonies are essential to our ongoing commitment to good governance and continuous growth,” she said, adding that one of the highlights of the activity is assessing oneself inwardly to become better.

Further, DA Undersecretary for High Value Crops Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero graced the celebration, noting that the Cordillera is the food basket of the nation, specifically for highland vegetables. Accordingly, the region produces 1,000 tons of vegetables daily. “We also acknowledge that the Cordillerans are the most efficient and financially viable farmers. A Cordilleran farmer will make every piece of land productive,” she stated. She added that the 37th anniversary is the day to acknowledge everyone’s contribution to the region’s agriculture.

Several retirees have also graced the activity, sharing their experiences while in the Department and now as retirees. They emphasized the importance of continuous learning through formal education, believing in oneself while aiming to strive better, and making proper preparations for retirement.

Mr. Elmer Macalingay, proprietor of the Health 100 series, also served as one of the guests of honor, highlighting the importance of improving the agriculture sector by giving quality service to the farmers and fisherfolk and pushing for a better governance.

Farmer leaders Fidelia Dominguez-Alipio of the Allied Lucky Farmers Association in Ifugao, and Jovito Palayen of the Tiking Manyedyed Farmers Association in Mountain Province also joined the celebration to personally express their gratitude for the interventions and support they have received from the agency that eased their farming activities and improved their way of life.

Meanwhile, 43 DA-CAR personnel have also received the Admirable job performance, Goal-oriented, Aspires for excellence, Meritorious/motivating records, Actions demonstrating leadership, Nobility and integrity in character, Growth in service (AGAMANG) Awards for their invaluable services in the agency. These awards included loyalty awardees, appreciation for support staff, and on-the-spot performance appreciation awards for the duration of July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.// Cy-j E. Waytan.