February 15, 2023. Dr. Karen Kristine A. Roscom now heads the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS). Dr. Roscom was appointed as Director IV and took her oath of office on February 14, 2023 administered by Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban, held at the Department of Agriculture - Central Office, Diliman, Quezon City
A turnover ceremony was also conducted on February 15, 2023 to formally announce the transition of leadership; and honor and respect former BAFS Director Vivencio R. Mamaril. During the ceremony, a thankful Director Roscom uttered, “I am humbled to be in this position. I am a team leader, BAFS is a Team. I am not alone and I am confident that with your help and support, we can be a better organization as the years go by.”
With just barely a month since returning to office, Director Roscom led the updating of the Bureau’s Logical Framework consistent with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. “Our goal is for BAFS to be a group of competent, effective and efficient people so we need to build our credibility, competencies and strengths.” Director Roscom commented during one of the workshops. “To check our practices - learn to analyze and strategize, make informed decisions that will impact modernization of the agri-fishery sector. This is why we, the BAFS, is here for.” she added.
Prior to her appointment as the full-fledged BAFS Director, she held the position of Chief Science Research Specialist of the BAFS Standards Development Division for 17 years, developing science-based Philippine National Standards that are consistent with the Philippines’ obligations and commitment to regional and international trade agreements and cooperation.
Director Roscom is no newbie to the BAFS having served as BAFS OIC Director from February 2014 to July 2016 where she oversaw the implementation of the Bureau’s Quality Management System certifiable to ISO 9001:2008 standard. Through her leadership, the Bureau was ranked as a “Better” performing agency in 2016.
Armed with good managerial and effective leadership skills, coupled with the commitment of the entire BAFS Family to provide full support, Dr. Roscom will definitely achieve whatever vision she has for the Bureau.
Director Roscom is also the Head - National Secretariat of the National Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development (NCI-SRD) in a concurrent capacity as the BAFS Director. The NCI-SRD is a strategy to improve, conserve, protect, and rehabilitate natural resources through the development and implementation of environment-friendly enterprises and livelihood opportunities. ###
Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban administering the oath of office for Director Karen Kristine A. Roscom
on February 14, 2023 at the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture, Quezon City.
Director Vivencio R. Mamaril officially handed-in the BAFS banner to Director Karen Kristine A. Roscom
during the Turnover Ceremony held at the BAFS Conference Room on February 15, 2023.