To commemorate the five years of existence of the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF), series of knowledge sharing activities were conducted throughout the month-long anniversary celebration.
The celebration kicked-off on June 13, 2018 wherein news correspondents from different media outlet were invited for a media roundtable discussion. PCAF and the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) presented the key findings and recommendations on a study about unnecessary regulatory burdens that affects the ease of doing business in the agri-fisheries sector.
Afterwhich, DAP’s Vice President and Managing Director Arnel Abanto presented to the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) service offices, bureaus and attached agencies results of the evaluative study.
A week-long exhibit was launched at the PCAF 3rd floor lobby featuring the various activities of PCAF in participatory governance, multi-stakeholder engagement and in the crafting of sound and relevant policies and programs.
Executive Director Sarah Gutierrez-Cayona, together with Deputy Executive Director John Pagaduan led the ribbon cutting and opening ceremony held on June 25, 2018. It was also attended by the division chiefs and employees of PCAF’s four operating units.
On the day of PCAF’s anniversary, June 26, 2018, a thanksgiving mass was officiated by Rev. Father Daniel Allan Samonte. In his homily, Father Samonte reminded everyone on giving life more significance by living the 3h’s (holy, healthy and happy).
This was followed by a simple program led by the Administrative, Financial and Management Division wherein the Human Resource Development Section handed over plaque and certificate of recognition to the loyalty awardees and retirees of the agency.
This year’s loyalty awardees were Arsenia Perez, Floreliz Avellana, Diana Delos Santos, Carolyn Tabangcura, Rachel Macaisa and Pedro Dumaraos, Sr. for 35 years.
Likewise, Carmelo Yambao, Cyril Soliaban and Freido Prado were also recognized for 25 years of service while Eduardo Cunan, Magdalena Go and Sarah Bales were acknowledged for 20 years of service. Francis Asuncion was the lone employee awarded for 15 years of service.
PCAF also gave out plaque of appreciation to the recent retirees namely, Benjamin Donor, Beverly Utanes, Apolonio Macaisa and Joseph De Los Santos in recognition for their valuable contribution to the agency.
In her anniversary message, Exec. Dir. Cayona said “dapat maging matatag tayo at mag-isip kung ano pa ang pwedeng gawin sa ahensya para sa ikabubuti ng lahat.” She then urged everyone to take inspiration from the loyalty awardees and retirees.
Following the celebration, a film showing entitled “Walang Rape sa Bontok” was conducted on June 27, 2018. In cooperation with PCAF Gender and Development, the film was part of the knowledge sharing activities where PCAF staff witnessed how did a rapeless society ever become possible.
A day after the film showing, a high impact motivational/personality development workshop called “Vision Board Party” was organized. It was attended by PCAF’s officers, senior citizens and persons with disability (PWD) employees in the morning and selected staff in the afternoon.
During the workshop, all participants experienced creating their own vision board that focuses on their dreams, goals and desire. It was facilitated by Ms. Trixie Esguerra, an expert motivational speaker, event host and entrepreneur.
To cap the month-long celebration, another knowledge sharing activity were organized. This time PCAF invited Court of Tax Appeal Associate Justice Catherine Manahan to discuss the legal rights and benefits of women, PWD and senior citizens based on the book she authored entitled “Know Your Benefits”. Participants were enlightened on their rights and benefits.
All these events were attended and participated by PCAF staff and some selected guests from the DA Bureaus and Attached Agencies. – JD
