France confers agri merit award on Romulo Puyat
THE French government recognized Bernadette Romulo Puyat for her decades-long commitment in supporting the agricultural sector and promoting local food culture.
Romulo Puyat was bestowed the Ordre du Mérite Agricole (Order of Agricultural Merit) with the rank of Officier (Officer), having served as undersecretary for Special Concerns, Administration and Finance, as well as Agribusiness and Marketing at the Department of Agriculture (DA) from 2007 to 2018. (She was recently appointed deputy governor by the Central Bank of the Philippines.)
As Department of Tourism chief from 2018 to 2022, Romulo Puyat continued to place agriculture as a priority through the promotion of agricultural and farm tourism, cultural heritage, and local gastronomy.
“Seeing firsthand the issues and concerns that our farmers and fisherfolk encountered on a daily basis: from getting their produce or seafood to the market, gaining ready access to credit, or needing to increase yields or efficiency, my colleagues and I went to such great lengths to bring greater attention to the country’s agricultural products, helping to give them the support they need— whether from a financial, marketing, or capacity-building standpoint—in order to boost their standard of living and sustain their livelihoods for the years to come,” the former DA and Tourism executive said in her speech. “I share this award with the people of the Philippines, most especially our farmers and fisherfolk, without whom we would not be standing here today.”
She added: “For years, France has been one of our largest trading partners. We have also benefited greatly from an exchange of best agricultural practices and technological know-how. As our nations celebrate 75 years of [bilateral links] in 2022, it’s my wish that the bond only grows deeper and stronger than ever before.”
As France and the Philippines celebrate the diamond anniversary of diplomatic ties this year, Romulo Puyat was also recognized for her contributions to deepening French philippine cooperation in organic farming and risk management, as well as in promoting exchanges of culinary traditions between the two countries
Ambassador Michèle Boccoz cited the Philippine government official’s numerous contributions to Philippine agriculture, particularly in promoting Filipino agricultural products locally and abroad; supporting gender-inclusive agriculture; as well as expanding and strengthening ties among farmers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and distributors while encouraging them to adopt modern techniques in the sector.
“On behalf of the French government, it is my honor to confer this prestigious award to Bernadette Romulo Puyat, who has shown great commitment, perseverance, and openness to collaborate throughout her career in service of the Filipino people and of the agricultural sector in the Philippines,” the ambassador said in her remarks during the awarding ceremony at the French envoy’s residence in Makati City on June 7.
Created in 1883 by former French agricultural minister Jules Méline, the Order of Agricultural Merit is conferred by the French government to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the agricultural and rural sector.
In 2017 a bilateral cooperation agreement was signed to consolidate institutional links between France’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the DA by strengthening agricultural and technical cooperation in specific sectors and areas of common interest.
In the same year the DA and the French Embassy in Manila jointly organized “Philippine Harvest Meets Bon Appetit,” a food fair showcasing organic and artisanal Filipino and French food products.