DAVAO CITY – The officials and personnel of the Department of Agrarian Reform Region XI (DAR-XI) have recently welcomed their new Assistant Regional Director for Operations (ARDO) in the person of Gay L. Labad who hails from Camarines Sur.

ARDO Labad officially assumed office and was introduced during a turnover ceremony, and in time for the agency’s kick-off of the women’s month celebration held last week at the DAR regional office in Catalunan Pequeno, Davao City. 

The turnover, led by DARRO Regional Director Joseph Orilla, pushed through in compliance with Special Order No. 70, issued by DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III for the reassignment of the third level officials. 

For the first time in 34 years, a lady official has joined the DAR-XI management team which has been previously dominated by men. 

In her acceptance message, ARDO Labad from DAR Camarines Sur, conveyed her gratitude for the warm welcome, as she promised to learn, share and commit everything she has for the good and growth of the region. 

The newly-assumed official is expected to take charge of the operational concerns and most especially of the World Bank-funded Project SPLIT or Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling.

On his part, Director Orilla said “as to SPLIT targets and deliverables, we have so much issues and concerns to address. This is why we need the third level officials to take their new posts.”

Assistant Regional Director for Administration (ARDA) Claudio Ybanez, who temporarily held the ARDO position, has handed over the DAR-XI flag to ARDO Labad, symbolizing the turnover of obligations and responsibilities inherent to a third level official. (DAR XI/Jean T. Dumandan)