Pwersa Balita

Cecilia Gascon Takes DA-BAR Post in Quezon City

May 26, 2026 1.3K

Inside a packed conference hall in Diliman, applause filled the room as educators, agriculture officials, and researchers welcomed a new leader tasked with helping shape the future of Philippine agriculture. The turnover ceremony marked not only a change in leadership, but also a renewed push for stronger research and innovation to support Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.

Department of Agriculture Bureau of Agricultural Research officially welcomed Cecilia N. Gascon as its new director during a formal ceremony held on May 25, 2026, in Quezon City.

Gascon succeeded Officer-in-Charge Director Joell H. Lales in the presence of DA Undersecretary Asis G. Perez, along with bureau officials and employees.

Known for her leadership in higher education, Gascon previously led Southern Luzon State University during its transition into a full-fledged university. She also spent nearly two decades helping modernize academic programs at Bulacan State University.

In her first address as DA-BAR director, Gascon emphasized her commitment to public service and support for agricultural communities. She said the bureau plays an important role in developing research and technologies that can improve the lives of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.

“Wherever I am called to work, one thing has always been clear to me: I am a steward of the government and steward of the people,” Gascon said during the ceremony.

She also praised DA-BAR employees for helping sustain the bureau’s role in agricultural research and development over the years. Gascon encouraged staff members to continue sharing ideas and expertise to create programs that directly respond to the needs of the agriculture sector.

According to Gascon, the strength of an organization depends on the dedication and quality of its people. She said every project, partnership, and decision contributes to the future of Philippine agriculture.

As part of her leadership agenda, Gascon identified three major priorities for the bureau. The first is strengthening climate resilience in agriculture. She stressed the need to protect farms, livelihoods, and local economies from the growing impact of climate change, including stronger typhoons, droughts, and flooding.

She said technologies that reduce crop losses and help producers recover quickly can improve food supply stability and protect family incomes.

The second priority is the expansion of precision agriculture, smart farming, and digital technologies. Gascon explained that these innovations can help farmers use water, fertilizer, and other farm inputs more efficiently while increasing production with fewer resources.

Her third focus area is biotechnology and advanced agricultural science. She said research in these fields can help improve the quality, productivity, and resilience of crops, livestock, and fisheries.

Gascon added that agricultural research should support sustainable food security and inclusive economic growth. She emphasized that DA-BAR projects must remain practical, responsive, and beneficial to farming and fishing communities across the country.

The new DA-BAR chief ended her speech by calling for unity and cooperation among bureau officials and employees as they work together to strengthen Philippine agriculture.

Gascon earned three degrees from University of the Philippines Los Baños, including a doctorate in Forestry. She also serves as president of the Philippine Network of Educators on Environment and is affiliated with several agriculture and environmental organizations.

As the country continues to face challenges in food production and climate adaptation, DA-BAR’s new leadership is expected to play a key role in advancing research that can help secure the future of Filipino agriculture.

Pwersa Balita – Your Trusted Source in Agri News
#DABAR, #CeciliaGascon, #AgriculturalResearch, #FoodSecurityPH, #BagongPilipinas

Recent BALITA