Newly Licensed Agriculturists Take Oath in NorMin

by: Maria Merjure V. Apao, Information Services Section Staff

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A total of 328 newly licensed agriculturists took their oath as professionals during a mass oath-taking ceremony held at Harbor Lights Hotel on February 12, 2025.

The Philippine Association of Agriculturists, Inc. (PAA), Region 10 – Pineapple Chapter, organized the event in coordination with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Regional Office 10.

Member of the Professional Regulatory Board for Agriculture Hon. Anastacia G. Notarte, Ph.D., administered the mass oath-taking and congratulated the newly licensed agriculturists. She highlighted that 3,200 out of 7,148 examinees passed the November 2024 Agriculture Licensure Exam, resulting in a national passing rate of 50.78%.

“This ceremony signifies a lifelong commitment to ethical and national values in agriculture. As professionals, you must uphold responsibility, integrity, and loyalty in serving our farmers, who are the backbone of our nation. Consider yourselves lucky to be among those who passed the exam,” she said.

PAA National President Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez Jr. reminded the oath takers of their professional responsibilities, including compliance with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements, and led the Oath of Membership to the association.

Meanwhile, the President of PAA-10 Pineapple Chapter and DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, welcomed the new agriculturists and encouraged them to uphold ethical practices in their careers. “Agriculture is more than an industry, it is the backbone of our country, ensuring food security. Serve with passion, lead with wisdom, and work with dedication,” RTD Madriaga said.

PRC-10 Regional Director Julie L. Sabalza emphasized the importance of continuous learning and career development. “Completing your degree does not mean you are done learning. Continuous education will enhance your competencies and open more opportunities for your career,” she said.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan also encouraged the new professionals to develop negotiation skills and build resilience in the face of challenges. “If you fear challenges and surrender, you miss the chance to learn. Agriculture requires courage and determination thus we need to embrace the word Laban,” RED Pacamalan said.

ATI-RTC X Center Director Maria Lydia A. Echavez underscored the role of young agriculturists in shaping the future of the industry. “Agriculture offers vast opportunities across the value chain. We need young leaders to drive innovation and sustain the industry,” she said.

A newly licensed agriculturist from Bukidnon, Ms. Jose Mae Barrio shared her experiences in preparing for the board exam.  “I still remember the struggles of college and preparing for the licensure exam. There was so much pressure, but by God’s grace, I made it,” Ms. Barrio said.

Aside from Region 10, other oath takers present during the ceremony were from Region 9, 11, 13, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The oath-taking ceremony marked a significant milestone for the new agriculturists as they stepped into a profession crucial to the country’s agricultural development para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas. (written and submitted by: Maria Merjure V. Apao, Information Services Section staff)