Laurel begins DA bureaus’ revamp

MANILA, Philippines —Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has replaced the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)’s director as bureaus will be revamped amid the ongoing reorganization of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Enrico Miguel Capulong has been appointed as BAI’s officer-in-charge director, replacing Paul Limson who was transferred to the DA-Biotechnology Program Office, according to Special Order No. 255 issued by Laurel.

“All officials and employees of the department, including its bureaus, attached agencies and corporations and regional field offices, are hereby advised of this designation and directed to give their full support and cooperation to OIC-director Capulong in the performance of his duties and responsibilities,” Laurel said.

Laurel described Capulong as a chief agriculturist prior to his appointment.

The BAI is the sole agency under the DA authorized to issue import permits relating to all imported animals and frozen animal products.

Laurel also appointed Christian Daquigan as chief of BAI’s National Veterinary Quarantine Services Division.

Farmers’ group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura executive director Jayson Cainglet has pushed for a total revamp of the Bureau of Plant Industry amid the flooding of smuggled onions.

Laurel earlier appointed his chief of staff, Undersecretary Alvin John Balagbag, as chief of the DA inspectorate and enforcement group.

Balagbag, who will lead the department’s campaign against smuggled agriculture products and hoarding, replacing Assistant Secretary James Layug.

Layug is now on floating status after he was stripped of his position.