Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. feted 18 retirees and led the 2023 Pasasalamat Awarding Ceremony at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management Convention Hall last Wednesday.

This year, the Department of Agriculture honored the retirees who devoted the most years of their lives serving the people and the country.

"In that time, they responded to the demands of national service wholeheartedly and without hesitation — each of them with equal measure of loyalty, probity and fidelity to the national interest," Laurel said.

In his message, the agri chief described the event as a day of renewal and recognition, attesting to the excellence of the honored public servants towards fulfilling the agency's mandate and the will of the people.

He highlighted the retirees' dedication even after witnessing the highs and lows of the Department. He also praised their commitment during the darkest days of the pandemic, emphasizing their willingness to fulfill their duties even at the risk of their health and safety.