National Director Remelyn Recoter Celebrates 35 Years of Public Service
Remelyn Recoter, National Director of Agricultural Training Institute was recently awarded as an Outstanding Public Servant for her 35 years of unwavering dedication, hard work, and loyalty in government service. It was given on the 29th day of January 2025 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). The plaque, signed by Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Jr. Laurel, acknowledged her significant contributions to the agricultural sector and the Filipino people.
A Journey of Passion and Commitment
Her career in government service began at the ATI-Regional Training Center VI as an Agricultural Extension Specialist I (SG 11). Despite the uncertainty of her appointment being approved, she took a leap of faith and started working in December 1999, even without a salary for the first three months. Thanks to the support and endorsement of Dr. Ambrosio “Botoy” Villorente and Dr. Griselda Quintana, she secured her role and embarked on a lifelong commitment to public service.
For 18 years, she worked at ATI-RTC VI, eventually rising to the position of Training Center Superintendent II/Center Director. She credits her growth to the mentorship of several ATI leaders, including Alberto Maningding, Evelyn Esquejo, Edwin Acoba, Horacio Carandang, Rex Navarro, and Asterio Saliot, who played crucial roles in shaping her career.
Her leadership capabilities later earned her a position at the DA-Regional Field Office VI, where she became Regional Technical Director for Operations, with the trust of Regional Executive Directors Jindra Demeterio and Larry Nacionales. However, her journey took an unexpected turn when she was deployed to Davao City as OIC Regional Executive Director of DA RFO XI, a move initiated by then DA Secretary Proceso Alcala in response to the devastation caused by Typhoon Pablo in Compostela Valley (now Davao de Oro) and Davao Oriental.
When she asked why she was chosen for such a demanding assignment, Alcala’s response was clear: “We have high expectations of you.” Without hesitation, she accepted the challenge, determined to serve in one of the most critical times for the region.
Returning Home and Leading ATI
After serving in Mindanao, she was brought back to DA Western Visayas to assume the role of Regional Executive Director (RED) under Secretary Manny Piñol. Then, on September 16, 2022, she received her Special Order (SO) to become the National Director of ATI, officially taking the helm of the agency to advance agricultural training and development nationwide.
Now at 62 years old and with 35 years in government service, she looks back on her journey with gratitude. “Maybe in a year or two, I’m ready for private life—enjoying the fruits of my labor,” she shared.
A Legacy of Service and Gratitude
As she nears retirement, she extends her heartfelt appreciation to all those who have been part of her journey and to the Filipino people she has dedicated her life to serving. “Maraming salamat sa mga nakasama at pinagsilbihan. Happy to serve!”
Her story is a powerful testament to dedication, resilience, and a deep love for public service, inspiring future generations to make a difference in the nation’s development.
