New Department of Agriculture Chief, Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., swiftly enacts changes in the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Laurel appoints Alvin John Balagbag as chief of staff, replacing Rex Estoperez, urging full support for the new appointee.
Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra takes over the Kadiwa program from dismissed Kristine Evangelista.
The Ombudsman’s order for Evangelista’s dismissal and criminal charges is related to a controversial deal during the 2022 onion crisis.
Secretary Laurel also designates Maria Alilia Maghirang as non-resident agriculture attaché and takes over the office of former Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban.
Sources within the DA have revealed that Secretary Laurel has already issued a memorandum instructing employees covered by contract of service to vacate their offices.
Source: PhilNews24 | November 11, 2023
