Ilocanos are very proud of him!
He was born on a Friday, 10 April 1953, or 67 years ago today. He is the 45thSecretary of Agriculture of the Philippines. Why does William Dar prefer to be referred to as “Manong Willie”? Because that address of respect is Ilocano; in English it means “Brother Willie,” a term of endearment. He wants you feeling at ease in his presence.
While he is humble, he has an outstanding record as an international leader. He was the Director General who brought the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, ICRISAT, based in India, from #15 to #1 while he was DG from January 2000 to December 2014.
I observed him well as international consulting writer for ICRISAT, work-at-home, from January 2000 to his retirement. He stayed at ICRISAT as DG for 15 years, up to December 2014.
Having known him, yes, I can characterize him as all-in-all through-and-through I.L.O.C.A.N.O.
Inclusive Ideas.In Manong Willie’s mind, the ultimate aim of development is the poor farmers liberated from the shackles of poverty. The whole idea is inclusive market-oriented development, IMOD, which is different from the World Bank’s sponsored inclusive growth, where “growth” means the poor have higher incomes, while IMOD means the poor are set free from poverty being actually & actively assisted up to marketing their produce.
Local Language.A scientist; he knows the technical side of things. A pragmatist, he speaks the non-technical language of the locals. After all, he was born poor in Danuman West, Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur. His parents could not afford to send him to high school – one of his uncles did, seeing promise in the boy.
Organic-Obliged. Literally and figuratively. As DG of ICRISAT, he encouraged the women to earn for their families by vermicomposting. He also inspired the Kothapally Watershed that turned a poor, water-deprived village into a vibrant, organic community. This became an international success, the BBC noticing.
Collective-Conscious. In ICRISAT, he considered himself the Team Captain, and the management staff worked as the Team Members. Fiercely working out their slogan, “Science with a human face,” the Team earned many awards and distinctions, bringing the institute from dead last to first among the 15 international agricultural research centers, IRRI included, under the CGIAR. It’s the leader; it’s the spirit.
Age-Aware Agripreneur.He knows that farmers must cultivate business-mindedness. He is especially interested in enticing creativity in youth to become entrepreneurs in agriculture.
Nationalist.Even before he retired from ICRISAT, he caused the formation of the InangLupa Movement, which is non-profit and dedicated to the good of the MotherLand (InangLupa). No doubt he loves his country.
Original.When he became Secretary of Agriculture on 05 August 2019, he brought into office the innovative holistic concept he calls “The New Thinking for Agriculture” that encompasses “Eight Paradigms” or avenues for the advancement of PH Agriculture. And so, this agricultural disquiet, we shall overcome.
Yes, as the 45th Secretary of Agriculture, he stands tallest because he is Ilocano, an original aboriginal.
Manong Willie, Happy Birthday, Intrepid Innovator and Illustrious ILOCANO!@517
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