Philippines Department of Agriculture (DA), with its vision of achieving Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., continues to implement programs and projects towards food sufficiency and a higher income for farmers and fisherfolk.
This year, DA celebrates its 126th founding anniversary with the theme, “Kagawaran ng Agrikultura, Sama-samang Naglilingkod para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas’ which translates to “Department of Agriculture, Working Together for a Prosperous New Philippines”
The celebration highlights the initiatives of the Department under the leadership of Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. focused on expanding agri-fisheries for increased production, modernizing agriculture and fishery production systems, and developing and improving post-harvest facilities and infrastructure.
Secretary Laurel, during his keynote message during the kick-off ceremony on June 24, 2024, expressed gratitude to the entire staff of the Department for their dedication and commitment to serving farmers and fisherfolk. The agri chief urged the DA family to continue doing their best and support his leadership in implementing various projects, particularly the four-year action plan.
“We see and appreciate the things that you do for the Department and for our clients. Thank you for building the foundation for DA’s successful delivery of its programs, projects, services, activities, and services,” Usec. Umali, who chaired the 126th DA Anniversary Committee meeting, addressed all staff and officials of the Department.
On June 23, 1898—just 11 days after the proclamation of the Philippine independence—the then Department of Agriculture and Manufacturing became one of the first government agencies that was established under the First Philippine Republic under the administration of President Emilio F. Aguinaldo.
After a series of renaming and restructuring throughout its 126 years of existence, the DA solidified itself as the primary government agency for the promotion of agricultural development in the Philippines by formulating, implementing, and evaluating data-driven policy framework, public investments, and support services for both domestic and export-oriented agri-fishery-based businesses
