AGRICULTURE Sec. Proceso J. Alcala signed a pact of unity with leaders of farmer and labor groups, and Department of Agriculture(DA) employees’ associations during the 6th Congress of the National Confederation of Employees Associations of the Department of Agriculture (Nafeda), Oct. 21, at the National Food Authority Training Center in Cabanatuan City.
The pact, which was signed by Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas Chairman Rafael V. Mariano; Confederation of Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (Courage) President Ferdinand R. Gaite; and Nafeda leaders, presented the commitment of the signatories to advance Philippine agriculture as prime mover of national economy, protect the welfare of small farmers and protect the rights and welfare of rank-and-file employees of DA and its attached agencies.
Under the pact, the signatories are also expected to work together to further campaign and fight for the allocation of sufficient budget for DA and its attached agencies; promotion of pro-people projects and program; decent wages and security of tenure; and eradication of graft and corruption, among others.
Speaking as guest of honor at the Nafeda Congress, Alcala congratulated the group for the stronger unity they have nurtured to fight for their cause. He also thanked Nafeda for inviting him, adding that he was there to listen to their concerns.
“Nothing beats what comes from the heart. If you want to express something, I am here to listen,” Alcala said.
Alcala said that even if he is the head of the agency, there are certain limitations on what he could do in responding to the requests of the employees, based on existing laws and policies governing civil service. But he assured the employees’ leadership that he could serve as a bridge for their concerns to other government agencies.
Acknowledging the support of the employees to the milestones accomplished by the department, Alcala said incentives used to be given to DA employees and other benefits are already being studied. He also assured the group that the Collective Negotiation Agreement issue has already been endorsed to the finance division.
He said incentives should be given based on performance and not on agency savings. He said minimum target outputs should be delivered as it is the responsibility of the agency to the people. Alcala said he shared the commitment of DA employees that it is not fulfilling to receive incentives when the agency intentionally underspent funds and perform less just to have more savings.
The agriculture chief encouraged the Nafeda leadership to forward their requests and demands but have a complete staff work on legal basis and fiscal and other important considerations.
“We may not be able to solve all our problems immediately, but this open discussion will surely lead to something better,” Alcala said.
The activity was co-organized by Nafeda and Courage.
Jan Dacumos