Directors Profile

Ulysses J. Lustria Jr.: Leadership in Agricultural Development

Mr. Ulysses J. Lustria Jr. was designated as the National Director of the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program on August 15, 2022.

A distinguished professional with extensive experience in the agricultural sector, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts (Major in Writing) from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). Furthering his academic credentials, he pursued graduate studies, earning a Master’s degree in Development Management from UPLB and a Master’s in Development Economics from the University of the Philippines Diliman.

His professional credentials include:

  • Civil Service Professional (since 1988)
  • Certified Agriculturist (2017)
  • Licensed Environmental Planner (2019)
  • Career Executive Service Eligible (CESE)

Professional Journey in Agriculture and Development

With over 34 years of service in the Department of Agriculture (DA), Mr. Lustria has dedicated his career to advancing agricultural policies and programs aimed at rural development. His career trajectory includes:

  • 1988: Began as an Agricultural Specialist and Economic Researcher at the Special Concerns Office (SCO).
  • 1989-1994: Served as Project Development Officer II in the Research and Project Development Division of SCO.
  • 1994-1995: Led the Marketing Information and Needs Assessment (MINA) Team under the USAID-supported Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) – Agricultural Marketing Information System (AGMARIS) Project.
  • 1995-1999: Resumed as Project Development Officer II under the Research and Project Development Division (RPDD), Planning and Monitoring Service (PMS), and Public Investment Program Division (PIPD).
  • 1999-2015: Served as Planning Officer IV (formerly Project Development Officer IV) in the Investment Programming Division (IPD), Planning and Monitoring Service.
  • 2015-Present: Appointed as Chief of the Planning and Programming Division (PPD), Planning and Monitoring Service, where he played a key role in formulating the DA-SAAD Program’s proposal, guidelines, operations manual, and social preparation guidebook.

Leadership in SAAD and Policy Development

Mr. Lustria has been instrumental in the development and implementation of the SAAD Program, working closely with its past leaders:

  • Mr. Lerey A. Panes (2017)
  • Ms. Bernadette F. San Juan (2017-2019)
  • Dr. Myer G. Mula (2019-2022)

Through his leadership in program planning, monitoring, and public relations, he played a crucial role in strengthening SAAD’s strategic framework, ensuring its effectiveness in delivering agricultural interventions to marginalized communities. In 2019, he was designated as SAAD Deputy Director, overseeing daily operations and guiding the National Program Management Office (NPMO).

Vision for SAAD’s Future

Under Mr. Lustria’s leadership, the SAAD Program remains steadfast in its mission to alleviate poverty among marginalized farmers and fishers by ensuring sustainable livelihood opportunities through agricultural interventions, technical support, and enterprise development.

As SAAD progresses into Phase 2 (2023-2028), the program is set to expand its reach, incorporating policy enhancements and data-driven approaches to better serve the agricultural sector. With his expertise and unwavering dedication, Mr. Lustria continues to lead SAAD in transforming Filipino farmers and fishers from mere producers into successful agri-entrepreneurs, fostering economic growth and food security in rural communities.

Dr. Myer G. Mula

October 2019 – August 2022

A renowned international scientist, Dr. Mula is a pride of the north as he is of Ilocano and Pangasinan descent. He graduated from Mountain State Agricultural College (now Benguet State University), La Trinidad, Benguet with a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, major in Agronomy. He also took his master’s degree in Public Administration and a doctorate in Rural Development at Benguet State University

Ms. Bernadette F. San Juan

October 2017- October 2019

Some of her program strategies were multi-year planning and budgeting, crafting a field implementation manual, creating a community logical framework, and enhancing the implementing guidelines. She also initiated the creation of the SAAD National Farmers and Fisherfolk Database System to easily store and access the beneficiaries’ socio-economic profiles.

 

Mr. Lerey A. Panes

January 2017 – October 2017

Appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Assistant Secretary for Planning, Project Development, and Special Projects in 2016. Former DA Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol designated Mr. Panes as the director of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program, which started implementing in 2017.