New DA undersecretary for operations named

MANILA, Philippines — Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. of the Department of Agriculture has issued a series of special orders on the appointment of top DA officials as part of the agency’s major revamp.

Laurel designated former National Food Authority (NFA) official Roger Navarro as DA undersecretary for operations.

Laurel also appointed Navarro as acting undersecretary for rice industry development, replacing Leocadio Sebastian who opted to retire effective Feb. 1 after his position was downgraded to member of the technical advisory group.

Navarro was also named officer-in-charge (OIC) of key offices of the DA, including the Office of the National Project Director, Philippine Rural Development Project and Office of the Assistant Secretary for Operations.

Navarro also replaced Arnel de Mesa as assistant secretary for operations, who was appointed by Laurel as the full-time spokesman for the DA.

Navarro served as special assistant to NFA Administrator Roderico Bioco.

Laurel promoted his chief of staff, John Alvin Balagbag, as undersecretary.

Other new appointments in the DA include the designation of lawyer Roland Tulay as OIC of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Office of the Undersecretary for Administration.

Laurel also ordered the recall of Executive Director Liza Battad to the Philippine Carabao Center.