After an unwavering commitment and remarkable 35-year tenure, Regional Executive Director Cameron Pi-is Odsey of the Department of Agriculture- Cordillera gracefully steps into a well-deserved retirement, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional public service and dedicated leadership.
Among the highlights of his DA-CAR career was when he took on the role of a Project Manager for the Highland Agriculture Development Project (HADP). This endeavor aimed to uplift agricultural practices in the highland regions.
Moreover, he was designated as the Project Director and Project Manager of the Cordillera Highland Agricultural Resource Management Project (CHARMP) 1, 2, and Scale-up including the Integrated Natural Resources and Management Project (INREMP) Infrastructure Component, both foreign-assisted projects. These projects sought to enhance agricultural resources management in the region.
Director Ron wholeheartedly immersed himself in the foreign-assisted projects, collaborating with local communities and stakeholders. His leadership skills and deep understanding of the agricultural landscape fostered trust and cooperation.
Throughout his career, Director Odsey has been a champion of agricultural development and rural prosperity in the Cordillera region. His visionary initiatives, comprehensive strategies, and compassionate approach have garnered widespread admiration and respect from colleagues and constituents alike.
Under his dynamic stewardship, the Department of Agriculture has witnessed unprecedented growth, with groundbreaking advancements in farming techniques, sustainable agriculture, and invaluable support to local farmers. His deep understanding of the unique challenges facing the Cordilleran communities has guided the successful implementation of numerous transformative projects that have improved countless lives.
Over the course of time, he has adeptly navigated the ever-changing realm of agricultural policies, working tirelessly to ensure that the Cordillera region maintains its leading position in agricultural innovation and sustainability. His remarkable talent in fostering fruitful partnerships with various stakeholders, government entities, and international organizations has been pivotal in gaining widespread backing for crucial agricultural initiatives, securing vital funding, and facilitating the exchange of valuable knowledge.
Further, he spearheaded many transformative initiatives and programs aimed at empowering farmers, promoting sustainable agriculture, and driving rural development in the Cordillera region.
His tenure as the Regional Executive Director became synonymous with innovation, collaboration, and progress. His strategic vision and dedication brought about positive changes in the agricultural landscape, benefiting countless farmers and communities.
In his message during his retirement party, he expressed his appreciation to all of the DA-CAR staff. “Palalo ay iyaman ken dakayo am-in. I wish to thank all of the staff of DA-CAR for being a very good team, without all of you and without your support this journey would not have been great, indeed it was a very great journey. We faced curves, we faced steep paths, we climbed high elevation paths, and we faced storms, but here we are. The success of DA-CAR is really your success. We did it well because of you. We had our shares of failures and challenges but we made it.
I am retiring today. I know that I will be leaving the agency in very good hands. I know the journey of DA-CAR in helping our farmers in fulfilling the goal of producing food for the Filipinos and improving the quality of the life of the poorer farmers in the hinterlands will be done,” he expressed.
He also commended the efforts of the farmer leaders who have helped the agency along the way.
The legacy left behind by Director Cameron P. Odsey will undoubtedly continue to inspire current and future generations of public servants. His contributions to the agricultural landscape of the Cordillera region will remain a shining beacon of hope and progress, fostering a sustainable and prosperous future for the region. By Leny D. Mendoza
