PCA needs deputy administrators

MANILA, Philippines - With only a year and a half left for the current administration, food security chief Francis Pangilinan is actively calling for recruits in entry-level and senior positions of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) via the social networking site Twitter.

On his Twitter account, Pangilinan posted a call for deputy administrators for the administrative and finance branch as well as the research and development branch of the PCA.

Candidates must have a master’s degree and at least five years of experience working in a management or supervisory position. They must have also undergone 120 hours of managerial training.

Pangilinan is also urging fresh graduates to start a career in the coconut industry.

“We are calling on the best and the brightest graduates whose potential can help us further improve and explore new innovations in the coconut industry,” he said.

According to Pangilinan, PCA administrator Romulo Arancon Jr. is now getting in touch with various universities and colleges to invite graduates to apply for positions in the agency.

A newly approved staffing pattern in the PCA has opened 190 vacancies in the agency’s central and regional offices, ranging from technical positions, such as agriculturists and project development officers, to administrative and finance positions.

This was the offshoot of the rationalization program under Executive Order No. 366 which “allowed further improvement on the agency’s structure,” thereby opening more opportunities to young professionals and experienced workers.

“Infusing new blood always revitalizes an organization and combining them with dedicated and tested insiders will ensure the PCA will become a highly professional, effective and dynamic public institution to meet the demands of the times,” said Pangilinan.

The PCA is one of four agencies placed under Pangilinan’s control last year upon his appointment as presidential assistant for food security and agricultural modernization amid allegations that Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala was involved in funneling government funds to fake civic organizations. The other agencies are the National Food Authority, National Irrigation Administration and the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority.