Agri chief designates key DA officials to oversee rice, livestock sectors

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has appointed key officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to lead critical programs aimed at bolstering the country’s rice, livestock, and agricultural sectors.

In a statement on Saturday, the DA said Glenn Estrada was named officer-in-charge of the Office of the Executive Director at the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority. 

Estrada will oversee the regulation of fertilizer and pesticide trade to ensure farmers have access to essential inputs that improve productivity.

Meanwhile, Senior Agriculturist Ralph Alan Ceniza has been appointed Deputy Program Director of the National Rice Program.

Ceniza will help advance government efforts to boost rice production and achieve self-sufficiency in the staple crop, according to the DA.

To address challenges in the livestock industry, such as disease outbreaks and market instability, the Agriculture Department said Dr. Jonathan Sabiniano was appointed as program director of the National Livestock Program. 

Sabiniano will be supported by Alvin Paul Dirain as deputy program.

The DA added that Emerson Yago is now the Director-Designate for Rice Clustering and Consolidation under the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program. 

Yago’s work will focus on enhancing farmer collaboration and promoting modern practices to optimize rice production, according to the agency.

Dr. Ronnie Ernst Duque, currently a Director II at the DA, has been named officer-in-charge of the Deputy Executive Director’s office at the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS). 

Duque will ensure meat inspection standards meet food safety and export quality requirements.

Arnold Atienza has been appointed Executive Director of the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA). 

Atienza will lead efforts to revitalize the fiber industry by increasing demand for high-value products like abaca.

“These designations underscore DA’s commitment to strengthen key agricultural sectors to support farmers, enhance food security, and drive economic growth,” said Tiu Laurel. 

—VAL, GMA Integrated News