TACLOBAN CITY – Agriculture Undersecretary Salvador “Doy” Salacup has commended the Department of Agriculture regional field unit here, saying it is a “role model” in the implementation of their department’s programs especially in the countryside.
Salacup was in the region last week to represent the Secretary of Agriculture during the launching of the abaca-based agribusiness project held in Brgy. Santol, San Miguel, Leyte.
He said the project that was launched in partnership with the office of Rep. Remedios “Matin” Petilla and the Department of Agriculture (DA) along with other agencies is laudable as it supports the goal one vision of the DA in expanding new agribusiness lands.
“I’m very happy that the visions that we are crafting in the national level is being implemented here in the regional field unit,” Salacup said.
In his less than five hours stay here last Friday, Salacup observed that there is “a strong complementation between the DA and the local government units.”
According to him, this is the scenario that they expect to happen as it has always been reminded by the President and the Secretary that the regional field units will have to partner with the LGUs very closely.
“This was very much evident in the abaca project launching I attended,” Salacup said.
Salacup said he also observed that there are also other activities in th region that are being implemented in support of the three basic thrusts of the DA, which are food security, increased income for the farmers, and employment generation.
“I am also glad to hear the report of DA Regional Executive Director Leo Caňeda that the region topped in hybrid rice production in the Visayas and number two nationwide...that’s a good indication,” Salacup said.
He said it will basically contribute to sufficiency level for one of the basic products, which is rice.
He also commended the local leaders and the DA officials in the region for being active in the promotion of the high value commercial crops (HVCC), mariculture and other industry which helps increase income and improve the lives of farmers.
“Overall, I’ll be happy to report to Sec. Domingo Panganiban the performance of your region and that gives you an indication of the leadership and management style of your regional executive director and the cohesiveness and partnering with other attached agencies and bureaus in the region,” Salacup said, referring to the DA regional office here.
