黑料网 Executive Director Bernadette 鈥淏idiBidi鈥� De Los Santos emphasized the critical role of grassroots volunteerism and modern bayanihan in advancing the country’s agriculture and fisheries sector during her recent interview on the radio program Bayanihan On-Air on October 05, 2026.
Highlighting PCAF鈥檚 core mandate to promote broad-based participatory development, the agency Chief stressed the significance of strengthening public-private partnerships to drive grassroots-informed agricultural reforms.
During the program, Exec. Dir. De Los Santos outlined the three primary pillars guiding agency operations:
- Policy advisory and advocacy: Acting as the main advisory body to the Department of Agriculture (DA) by formulating policies and programs rooted directly in the recommendations of farmers, fisherfolk, and value chain players.
- Stakeholder engagement and participatory governance: Managing the nationwide network of Agricultural and Fishery Councils across regional, provincial, and municipal levels, and the National Sectoral Committees, ensuring grassroots and macro-level private sector participation in policy-making.
- Participatory monitoring and tracking: Conducting independent monitoring of DA-funded projects, such as farm-to-market roads, irrigation facilities, and post-harvest equipment, to ensure proper implementation and resource utilization.
The evolution of bayanihan in agriculture
Addressing the modern application of traditional values, the PCAF Chief explained that bayanihan has transformed far beyond physical communal labor. Today, it takes shape through agri-clustering and consolidation, which bolster the bargaining power of small producers, reduce production and post-harvest costs, and ease access to government and banking support.
She also underscored the integration of youth participation and digital technology, noting how young agripreneurs and modern tools are bridging generational gaps to connect farmers directly to markets.
Grounding these concepts in frontline reality, Exec. Dir. De Los Santos recalled how local Council networks played a pivotal role during the African Swine Fever outbreak in Camarines Sur. In the absence of a provincial agriculturist and veterinarian at the time, local Councils successfully mobilized municipal veterinarians to implement crucial biosecurity measures and safeguard the local swine industry.
Reiterating her personal and professional commitment, BidiBidi shared her ultimate vision for the sector: to uplift the lives of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk so they are no longer just beneficiaries, but empowered co-implementers of agricultural progress.
“Sana po darating ang panahon… makakakita tayo ng mga magsasaka na hindi lang nakakapagpa-aral ng kanilang mga anak sa kolehiyo, kundi pati rin ang kanilang kabuhayan ay secure at naangat ang empowerment,” Exec. Dir. De Los Santos said, reinforcing that a prosperous agricultural sector remains the true backbone of national food security and economic stability.
Bayanihan On-Air is a collaborative radio program of the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency and the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, broadcast on Radyo Agri 90.1 FM and Facebook.
The show promotes volunteerism in agriculture and fisheries by sharing inspiring community stories, highlighting modern postharvest technologies, and showcasing national volunteer awards to inspire civic action across the country. | Jezebel Campaniel (Photos courtesy of PNVSCA Facebook and Exec. Dir. Bernadette De Los Santos)
