In a proud #TatakPCC moment, two of DA-Philippine Carabao Center’s Carabao-Based Enterprise Development (CBED) coordinators were recognized as recipients of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Pagasa Award during the 2024 Search for Outstanding Government Employees Regional Honor Awards Program (HAP) for the National Capital Region.
Fe Emelda C. Academia, senior science research specialist of the DA-PCC at Mindanao Livestock Production Center, and Janice H. Cuaresma, Science Research Specialist II of the DA-PCC at West Visayas State University, received the CSC Pagasa Award under the Individual Category.
The award was presented to Academia and Cuaresma by CSC DND Field Director Fe P. Lacaba, on behalf of CSC DA/DENR Field Director Claudia A. Tan, during a ceremony held today, November 15, 2024, at Midas Hotel in Pasay City. Both awardees were given certificates in recognition of their outstanding contributions to advancing the DA-PCC’s mission of empowering farmers through sustainable carabao-based enterprises. DA-PCC Human Resource Management Section Head Cecilia C. Abo was also present to witness the occasion.
Cuaresma shared her humble gratitude upon receiving the award, saying: “Every challenge we face forges our strength, enabling us to surpass expectations. I’m humbled by this recognition and inspired to continue serving with dedication and empathy. I am honored to have been a part of the development of every farmer I have extended assistance to.”
Academia, meanwhile, reflected on the long and often challenging path to creating livelihood opportunities for farmers, emphasizing that success is built through perseverance and learning from setbacks. “It may be hard, but embracing challenges brings forth greater opportunities for growth and improvement,” she shared.
DA-PCC Executive Director Dr. Liza Battad congratulated the awardees, calling them “#TatakPCC: Service Excellence Brand Ambassadors” and commending their outstanding contributions to the development of the CBED program. “Big congratulations for the well-deserved award. Continue championing the passion of fellow CBED coordinators,” Dr. Battad said.
Both Academia and Cuaresma were previously recognized by DA-PCC as outstanding development officers in 2020 and 2021, respectively.
The CSC Pagasa Award is conferred upon individuals or groups whose outstanding contribution/s resulting from idea or performance benefit more than one government department. The two awardees will advance to the national screening phase of the awards program, with the announcement of national winners yet to be scheduled.
