On His First Year Anniversary As Administrator/CEO Of The National Tobacco AdministrationJune 22,
To the industry stakeholders and my NTA family:
When on this same day a year ago I accepted the challenge to lead the National Tobacco Administration as its Administrator and Chief Executive Officer, I was full of pride to take over the agency that my father, the late NTA Administrator Dr. Robert L. Seares, had served with so much dedication and laudable accomplishments.
The agency’s mandate to improve the lives of our farmers and the industry’s multi-billion contribution in excise taxes to the national government also provided me the right motivation and inspiration to preside over this agency amidst critical challenges from the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.
The formulation of the industry roadmap which was initiated during my father’s term has given me the task not only to set up the directions of the agency for the next five years, but also to institute reforms that will sustain the industry, along with its contribution to the national economy.
I have been inspired to work with our Managers and industry leaders who have solid grasp of the realities of our tobacco industry as well as clear vision about where it should go. This was manifested by the drafting of the Sustainable Tobacco Enhancement Program (STEP), the five-year development program that contains the short- and long-term strategies to keep the Philippine tobacco industry sustainable.
NTA has aligned its roadmap with the eight paradigms in agriculture by Agriculture Secretary William Dar. We continue working with the Department under its new One DA Reform Agenda, bannered by the 18 Key Strategies, which include farm clustering, diversification, and farm mechanization that are highlighted in our industry roadmap.
We have improved our operations and program implementation to become more responsive to existing and emerging industry issues, especially under the “new normal.” With our accomplishments in providing financial and facility assistance and other interventions to increase farmers’ income and productivity, we continue ensuring that every tobacco grower should enjoy the fruits of his or her labor.
Finally I am very proud of the performance of the men and women of NTA during the past year and the way they rise to the challenge even in the face of adversity.
To our staff and the rest of our industry stakeholders we dedicate this new tagline for the NTA for the coming years: “Natatangi at Tapat na Adhikain.” This focuses on excellent service and good governance in pursuing major programs and activities and pave the way for sustainable tobacco industry.
With professionalism, dedication, and courage of our staff, driven by the new tagline, I can really say our road ahead is not an insurmountable one.
Maraming salamat!
ROBERT VICTOR G. SEARES JR.
Administrator / CEO