As president of the Agri-Quality Assurance Laboratories of the Philippines, Inc., Tobiano, a licensed chemist, said that the Haligi ng Agri-Siyensya Awards underscored her organization’s thrust in driving innovation, leadership and collaboration in both sectors.
The Association of Veterinary and Agri-Quality Assurance Laboratories of the Philippines, Inc. (AVAQAL), led by its president, Pinky Tobiano, recently hosted a thanksgiving party, which also honored agriculture luminaries with the Haligi ng Agri-Siyensya Awards.
The event, held at the Great Eastern Hotel in Quezon City, brought together industry leaders, government officials and distinguished professionals to celebrate excellence and innovation in agriculture and science.
An invocation and the national anthem kicked off the program that was filled with inspiring speeches from Tobiano and vice president Herbert Mendoza, who emphasized the organization’s commitment to elevating quality assurance standards in the agricultural sector.
The event’s keynote speaker was Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, who commended AVAQAL for its unwavering dedication and support to advancing the country’s agricultural landscape.
The gathering not only highlighted AVAQAL’s accomplishments, but also reaffirmed its position as a beacon of excellence in the agricultural sector.
Through the leadership of Tobiano, together with her passion, dedication and commitment to the back end support for Philippine agriculture, AVAQAL has now transformed from a small, humble organization to an influential one.
Meanwhile, the Haligi ng Agri-Siyensya Awards segment honored six outstanding individuals whose exemplary leadership and contributions have significantly impacted their fields
They are: Dr. Edna Zenaida Villacorte, visionary founder of AVAQAL; Dr. Zamuel Zacate, director general of the Food and Drug Administration; lawyer Senando Santiago, acting GM of Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA); Dr. Dante Palabrica, Department of Agriculture (DA) undersecretary; Dr. Rommel Sulabo, professor researcher from the University of the Philippines Los Baños; and Rosendo So, chairman of Sinag.
The awardees’ collective efforts had been cited for having elevated regulatory, quality, food security and sustainability practices within their respective sectors.
In addition to the awards, the event featured engaging games and raffle draws that added a festive air to the gathering, fostering camaraderie among members and guests.
The day concluded with a fellowship lunch, where attendees celebrated AVAQAL’s achievements and strengthened their bond as a community.
According to Tobiano, AVAQAL’s thanksgiving party and Haligi ng Agri-Siyensya Awards underscored the organization’s pivotal role in driving innovation, leadership and collaboration in agriculture and science.
