PRC R IX Welcomes 55 Newly Licensed Agriculturists; PAA Inducts New Set of Regional Chapters Officers
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Region IX warmly welcomed 55 newly licensed agriculturists and their guests in a face-to-face mass oathtaking held on 30 April 2025 at the Marcian Garden Convention Center, Zamboanga City. The successful examinees came from the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Basilan.
The administering officer and Guest of Honor, Dr. Emma K. Sales who is also seated as the Chairperson of the Professional Regulatory Board (PRB) for Agriculture, graced the event with Regional Executive Director at the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office IX, Engr. Marcos C. Aves, Sr.; College Deans and faculty members from different agricultural colleges and universities; and regional officers and members of the PAA Zamboanga Hermosa Chapter led by PAA regional chapter president Maria Melba B. Wee.
Highlighting the event was the presentation of the Licensure Examination for Agriculturists (LEA) passers, where 12 LEA passers hailed from Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JMRSU); 31 from the College of Agriculture in Western Mindanao State University (WMSU); nine from the Mindanao State University (MSU); two from Sibugay Technical Institute, Inc. (STII); and one from Basilan State College (BSC).
In her inspirational message, Dr. Sales recognized that out of 7,144 examinees who took the LEA, these young professionals are among the 3,628 who successfully passed with a national passing percentage of 50.78%, noting a significant improvement since the beginning of the Board Examinations in Agriculture. As the inducting officer, Dr. Sales administered the Oath of Professionals for the 55 newly licensed agriculturists. Their outstanding achievement brought pride to the region and served as an inspiration to aspiring agriculturists.
In his message, Philippine Association of Agriculturists, Inc. (PAA) National President Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. emphasized the importance of agriculturists and the wealth of expertise from various fields in addressing the contemporary challenges in the agro-industry sector.
“Whether working in the national government agencies, local government units, private sector, research and development institutions, the academe, agribusiness ventures, farms, or overseas, each one of us contributes to attaining our country’s development goals towards a sustainable food- and nutrition-secure Philippines,” he mentioned.
Thereafter, Dr. Sanchez inducted the passers as new members of the PAA, followed by the induction of the PAA Zamboanga Hermosa Chapter officers.
The ceremony was held in coordination with the PRC IX represented by Regional Director Alfonso C. Viloria, and the PAA headquarters, represented by PAA National President Dr. Sanchez. Their collaborative efforts ensured a meaningful and well-organized celebration for the new agriculturists.
