Sebastian designated as DA’S undersecretary for operations

MALACAÑANG has designated Leocado S. Sebastian as the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) undersecretary for operations.

Executive Secretary Victor D. Rodriguez issued a memorandum announcing Sebastian’s designation as DA undersecretary and his additional authorities and functions.

The memo dated July 15 indicated that DA under secretary designate will also serve as the chief of staff of the office of the Agriculture secretary.

Sebastian has been tasked to sign contracts, memoranda of agreement, administrative issuances, and administrative and financial documents.

He also has the authority to act as the designated head of procuring entity and reconstitute the Bids and Awards Committee as well as appoint or reassign employees of the DA except those whose appointments are vested in the president or in some other appointing authority.

‘Status quo’

DAYS after his designation as DA undersecretary, Sebastian issued a memo saying National Food Authority chief Judy Carol L. Dansal and Sugar Regulatory Administration chief Hermenegildo R. Serafica will continue to hold office until their successors are appointed.

“Pursuant to the authority granted to the undersigned by virtue of the Memorandum from the Executive Secretary dated 15 July 2022, everyone is advised to maintain status quo in your respective agency’s leadership,” Sebastian said in his memo to the personnel of NFA and SRA.

Citing the DA Legal Service Opinion dated July 6, he said Memorandum Circular No. 1, series of 2022 issued by the Office of the President does not apply to both the administrators of SRA and NFA as their appointments are not classified as co-terminus with the appointing authority.