The Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) resumed its monthly conduct of flag ceremony on June 15, 2020 via online video conferencing, three months after the imposition of lockdown due to the rising cases of COVID-19. ACPC officers and staff from the central office comprising of the skeleton workforce and work-from-home staff as well as the field-based program management officers participated in the activity.

Executive Director Jocelyn Alma R. Badiola, in her message, emphasized that the ACPC is one of the agencies mandated to provide vital services to farmers and fishers who are among the most vulnerable groups during this period of uncertainty brought about by the pandemic. She added that the SURE COVID-19 Program is one of the Department of Agriculture’s key programs to increase farm productivity and ensure food sufficiency amid the ongoing unprecedented crisis. “Ito ang panahon na kinakailangan talaga ng mga magsasaka at mangingisda ang tulong natin,” she said. “Therefore, now, more than ever, we must take a step beyond what is expected and required of us,” stressed ED Badiola.

She also acknowledged all the ACPC officers and staff who showed steadfastness, courage and determination despite the challenges such as transportation and other social distancing restrictions. “I am very proud of all of you and I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart,” she said.

She also assured everyone that the safety and well-being of every ACPC staff will always be a top priority even under the “new normal”. “Kaya natin ito. Kapit lang tayo sa Panginoon and we will get through this together as ACPC family,” she added.

One of the highlights of the flag ceremony is the unveiling of the first-ever ACPC hymn, which encapsulates the crucial role of the agency in providing convenient, affordable, and timely credit to farmers and fisherfolk.

To guide the ACPC staff and officers, the alternative work arrangements and support mechanisms under the new normal were discussed.  Recognition of birthday celebrators for the months of March to June and a game were also conducted to make the video conference activity more exciting. The flag ceremony activity was facilitated by the Human Resources Management Staff (HRMS) in coordination with the Information Systems Management Staff (ISMD).