NAPC chair Panganiban retiring after 46 years in govt

National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) chairman Domingo Panganiban said Thursday he plans to retire on June 30, after spending at least 46 years in government service. "Magre-retire na tayo, maaaring magagampanan ko nang husto [ang responsibilidad ko sa pamilya] (I will retire after June 30. I will pay more attention to my family, my grandchildren)," Panganiban said in an interview on dwIZ radio. But he advised the incoming administration to focus on anti-poverty projects, many of which he said could not be implemented due to lack of funds. Aquino is assembling his prospective Cabinet, but has so far only named Corazon "Dinky" Soliman as incoming Social Welfare secretary. The Liberal Party had said it is open to retaining some Arroyo Cabinet members, so long as they have clean and competent track records. Panganiban is lead convener of the NAPC under Mrs. Arroyo’s watch. He served as Agriculture Secretary (January to March 2001), and acting National Food Authority chief (November 2000 to March 2001). Data from the Office of the President website showed he served as presidential assistant for agriculture (February to April 1996), deputy minister for agriculture and food (March 1984 to March 1986), Director of the Bureau of Plant Industry (September 1975 to February 1986), executive director of the National Food and Agriculture Council (1973 to February 1986), acting director of the Bureau of Agricultural Extension (March 1984 to October 1985). Also, he was regional director of the Bureau of Plant Industry Region III (July 1969 to September 1975), deputy executive director of the National Food and Agriculture Council (July 1969 to September 1975), regional farm supervisor of the Bureau of Plant Industry Region III (December 1967 to June 1969), plant pest control officer of the Bureau of Plant Industry in Tarlac (July 1967 to December 1967), plant pest control officer in Zamboanga City (September 1962 to June 1967), and plant pest control worker in Zamboanga City (June 1961 to September 1962). He also served as chief of staff of the Office of Senator and defeated vice presidential bet Lorna Regina “Loren" Legarda-Leviste from August 2001 to June 2004. Panganiban also served as consultant policy specialist of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization; and even as consultant and team manager of the Purefoods (now B-Meg) team in the Philippine Basketball Association. —LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV