As one of the highlights of the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month this May 2024, Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) Chairperson Ryan U. Palunan assumes office as the Farmer Regional Executive Director (FRED) of the Department of Agriculture–Cordillera (DA-CAR). The ceremonial turnover of key responsibility was conducted today, May 6, 2024 during the flag-raising ceremony.
Pursuant to DA Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 15, series of 2024 signed by Agriculture Chief Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel, Jr., the RAFC chairpersons act as representatives of their regions’ private sectors spanning agriculture and fishery value and supply chains.
As FREDs, they will assume leadership of the regional offices and offer their expertise and insights to the industry throughout the month of May.
This is also in recognition of the RAFCs’ invaluable volunteerism in bolstering the agriculture sector. Further, this is to strengthen the partnership between the government and the private sector.
Under the said MC, the FRED’s delegated functions are those that will not affect the government accounting rules and procedures, as well as the Civil Service Commission rules and regulations governing regular government employees.
In her message, DA-CAR RED Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan noted FRED Palunan’s contributions for the past three (3) years as the RAFC Chairperson of the region. “Let us ensure that the activities for the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month will be meaningful, as we are just recovering from the pandemic and so we have not celebrated much. But I hope we will have exciting activities for this month. You [FRED Palunan] will be our support not only at the regional level but also at the local level,” she said.
In response, FRED Palunan stated his commitment to doing his part as FRED for the entirety of May. “For the past three (3) years, I have continued learning on agriculture. It has been an experience for me as I have been introduced and exposed to agri-related policies and activities. I hope that through this celebration, I will be of help to everyone in extending our programs, projects, and services to the farmers, and be the voice of the farmers at the same time,” Palunan said.
FRED Palunan will be submitting accomplishment reports, comments, observations, and recommendations relative to his experiences as FRED after his month-long term.
Also assuming office to represent the fisheries sector is Ajil B. Agcon from Kabugao, Apayao. By Cy-j E. Waytan
