RD Rene Alano

Director Rene Alano was there all throughout my career in DAR: he was PARO when I met him, then in Pangasinan, which was a 'large' province in terms of our targets in the department. He was an 'operations' man, we called him, as he was very 'hands-on' with his work. 

I had the privilege to be his assistant even in just an OIC capacity at the regional office, the years I learned from him what I was supposed to know about DAR 'operations'. Coming from a background of support services, it would have been a difficult transition for me had it not been for him. 

He taught me story by story, not by the books, from his personal experiences. To him, learning was easier if it was done by telling me about his 'how's' rather than the law itself, over a cup of coffee in-between smoking. He was not a lawyer, but one cannot argue with the man about land acquisition and distribution. He knew all that mattered. 

There was one time a big rally held by farmers in front of our office years back. It was the biggest we had in our region, and we were not ready for incidents of that sort. Our region is relatively peaceful in terms of agrarian reform implementation. He called me to his office to direct me to help him 'handle' the matter. Which meant I was to sit with him during the radio broadcast about it, and face the farmers on my own. I initially resisted, because many among the protesters were men, angry men. But he knew how to work me: he told me I was the best person to be out there and talk to the group, not only because I was a woman, further, I am beautiful and charming. I just had to hear the words, 'beautiful' and 'charming' from him, and off I went to 'talk' to the farmer-protesters. 

I learned of his passing last night, and I was saddened deeply. Surprisingly so. We all knew he retired years back and that he had some health issues, but we did not see it coming. 

Looking back, it was a 'lovely ride' with the man for several years. Lovely ride, RD Alano. Bring with you my gratitude, my respect and love for you. Rest peacefully, sir.