New NFA chief takes oath

MANILA -- President Benigno Aquino III has appointed Orlan A. Calayag as the new National Food Authority administrator effective January 17, 2013.

Calayag, who took his oath in Malacañang on Monday, replaced Angelito Banayo, who resigned last year as he would be running for congressman in the first district of Agusan del Norte.

During his oath taking, Calayag, an entrepreneur, banker, community organizer and non-government organization volunteer, assured the President that during his stewardship of the NFA, he will ensure that the country's food security is protected and the prices of rice and corn will be stable, while looking after the welfare of the farmers.

Calayag expressed hope that the officials and employees of NFA will extend their full support to his leadership so that the agency can fully measure up to its mandates while treading the path of "daang matuwid" (straight path).

He said he will ask for the trust and cooperation of every NFA employee, which is most crucial to a more aggressive palay procurement operation for food security buffer stock and to upgrade the status of NFA as a government-owned and controlled corporation.

Prior to his appointment at NFA, Calayag was executive director of the Progressive Community and Ecological Services Organization, a non-government organization helping farmers, fisherfolks, the youth, women and other sectors in the areas of livelihood, job generation and environmental protection.

As one of the youngest to be appointed as NFA administrator, it is expected that Calayag will institute certain changes, among them is rallying the agency's field offices for a more active and efficient operations and ensuring greater rapport and coordination with the farmers.

Calayag is scheduled to immediately visit NFA's field offices to familiarize himself with the nationwide operations of the agency. (SDR/Sunnex)