35 Years Journey as a Public Servant

During the 38th year ATI Anniversary last 29th January 2025 at the Philippine International Convention Center, USec Roger Navarro, USec for Operations, Agri-Fishery Mechanization and Rural Credit handed to me the Plaque of Appreciation. The plaque was signed by DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Jr Laurel (who was in the USA during the week) in grateful recognition for my 35 years in hardwork, loyalty and dedication in public service.

I have come full circle, started my government service at the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center VI as Agricultural Extension Specialist I (SG 11). Without assurance of my appointment approved, my 1st Supervisor Dr Ambrosio “Botoy” Villorente, endorsed me to ATI Central Office. I was interviewed and did micro teaching to determine if im capable to become a trainer. My topic then was Prawn Hatchery Operation. I may have impressed the panel of interviewers as I was just fresh from my 3 year stint as prawn hatchery technician. Dr Botoy asked me, if i will take the risk of not having salary until the approval of my appointment, I said “Yes” and started on December 1, 1999 but only received my appointment 3 months after. I also thank Dr Griselda Quintana, then, Dean of the Graduate School of Aklan State College of Agriculture for introducing me to Dr Ambrosio Villorente.

And the rest is history. Served ATI-RTC VI for 18 long years to become its Training Center Superintendent II/Center Director. Thanks to the long list of ATI Directors who have contributed to my professional growth: Directors Alberto Maningding, Evelyn Esquejo, Edwin Acoba, Horacio Carandang, Rex Navarro, and Asterio Saliot. Im home based as my work station was at ASU, Banga, Aklan for 18 years.

I later joined the DA-Regional Field Office VI, thanks to RED Jindra Demeterio and RED Larry Nacionales for trusting me to be part of the Management as Regional Technical Direvtor for Operations.

After five (5) years, I was pulled out from Iloilo City to be deployed to Davao City as the OIC RED of DA RFO XI. Thanks a lot for the trust and confidence given by former DA Secretary Proceso Alcala. My sudden pull out from Western Visayas was due to Typhoon Pablo which battered mostly the municipalities in Compostela Valley (Now Davao de Oro) and Davao Oriental.. I once asked Mam Tere, why me, of all people. Her response was “Sec Alcala has high expectations on you.” That says it all, no more questions asked. Salamat Sec Procy sa pagsalig.

Fast forward, I was brought back to DA Western Visayas, to become its RED. Thanks to Sec Manny Piñol for my return to my home region. And on September 16, 2022, I received an SO to be the National Director of ATI and became its full fledged Director. Now, 62 years old and 35 years in service….maybe in a year or two, Im ready for a private life. Enjoying the fruits of my labor…

Happy to serve the Filipino people!!!