Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar stressed the importance of the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) to the advancement of Philippine agriculture.

During his visit to PhilMech on March 25, Secretary Dar praised the enthusiasm and passion of its officials and staff in living up to its mission of generating and commercializing postharvest technologies and practices in the Philippines.

He also implored its new Executive Director Dionisio Alvindia to ensure proper implementation of PhilMech programs so that farmers will reap maximum benefits of the mechanization strategies from the government.

“See to it that the bricks that are being layered are strong. At siguruhin ninyo na nakikinabang ang mga magsasakang Filipino sa ating mga programa tulad ng Rice Competitive Enhancement Fund,” he said.

He also advised PhilMech to be transparent in executing its role in the implementation of the Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization Law.

Moving forward, the DA chief reminded PhilMech officials to put its research-backed plans into action and to always go back to its mission, as it is “the direction that the OneDA is taking.”

The secretary also assured everyone that he will continue to provide quality guidance and leadership in the remaining months of his term.

“Hindi ako napapagod, tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang serbisyo natin, consulting with one another, with partners, and with stakeholders. I hope everyone imbibes that,” he expressed.

In response, Director Alvindia pledged to take more actions with DA to transform Philippine agriculture into a modernized sector and continue to support farmers.

“Ang PhilMech ay handang makipagtulungan sa Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka upang maipatupad ang mga programa ng ating gobyerno.” ### (Krystelle Ymari A. Vergara, DA-AFID)