By Kenneth Marcos 
Under the morning sun, employees of the Department of Agriculture gathered once again for the monthly Flag Raising Ceremony and Convocation, this time hosted by the NSWRRDC – Lupez, to open the first week of September with reflection, purpose, and pride in public service.
Held at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) grounds, the ceremony centered on this week’s core value: Wisdom—a timely reminder of the importance of sound judgment, thoughtful decision-making, and shared knowledge in shaping the future of Philippine agriculture.
A Moment of Unity and Purpose
During the ceremony, participants stood side by side in solemn respect to the national flag and sang the national anthem with pride. This weekly ritual continues to symbolize the Department’s commitment to building a Masaganang Agrikultura at Maunlad na Ekonomiya under the Bagong Pilipinas vision.
The convocation was led by the Northern Soil and Water Resources Research and Development Center (NSWRRDC) – Lupez, who emphasized the importance of wisdom in both leadership and day-to-day operations.
“Wisdom is not only about what we know,” shared one of the speakers, “but how we use that knowledge to serve others, especially our farmers and fisherfolk.”
Reflecting on Wisdom in Service
The program encouraged employees to reflect on how wisdom plays a role in their daily tasks—from creating data reports and managing programs, to visiting field sites and assisting local government units.
By practicing wisdom, DA officials said, public servants can better address the complex needs of the agriculture sector—whether it’s improving food security, responding to climate change, or supporting rural development.
It also serves as a guiding principle in the agency’s efforts to make programs more inclusive, science-based, and responsive to the realities faced by Filipino farmers across the country.
DA’s Commitment to Values-Based Service
The Department of Agriculture has made values-based governance a core part of its internal culture, aligning with the broader national campaign for Bagong Pilipinas—a renewed call for government agencies to operate with integrity, excellence, and accountability.
Each month, DA units take turns hosting the convocation, highlighting different values and themes that connect their work to the agency’s mission.
By anchoring service on core values like wisdom, compassion, and professionalism, the Department hopes to inspire more meaningful change in both its internal culture and its impact on the ground.
As the ceremony ended, officials encouraged everyone to carry this week’s value with them—not just in the office, but in their homes and communities.
“Let us be wise in our choices, intentional in our actions, and united in our goals for a better, stronger agriculture sector,” the host closed.
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