Future policies on Philippine bioethanol feedstocks could change after stakeholders from the National Sectoral Committees on Corn and on Livestock and Poultry met on June 4, 2026 via hybrid format to discuss amendments to Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 2008-1.

The proposed amendment seeks to lift government restrictions and officially add corn to sugarcane and molasses as approved bioethanol feedstocks. The proposal still requires final approval from the National Biofuels Board.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary for Operations U-Nichols Manalo cited the ongoing fuel crisis as a primary driver behind the policy review, noting that local corn growers have long pushed for inclusion in the bioethanol market.

“We all know we are facing a fuel crisis, which is why we are again discussing the biofuel program,” Asec. Manalo said.

“During the three-island Corn Congresses held last year, participants passed a resolution supporting the delisting of corn so it can be used for ethanol. We are holding this consultation to gather your inputs and address your anxieties because, then again, the elephant in the room is the food-versus-fuel debate,” he added.

Asec. Manalo also acknowledged the historical concerns regarding land competition that originally led to corn’s restriction, emphasizing that the government wants to weigh all perspectives on this traditional “land utilization versus food, feed, and fuel” argument.

Potential benefits and risks

Advocates see the amendment as an alternative revenue stream for farmers during lean seasons. In a study from the University of the Philippines Los Ba帽os (UPLB), experts proposed using seasonal yellow corn oversupply directly into ethanol production, particularly during the wet season when drying facilities are scarce and farmgate prices drop.

Additionally, the Department of Energy (DOE) noted that transitioning to higher blend levels, such as Ethanol 20 (E20), a fuel blend consisting of 20% bioethanol and 80% gasoline, could reduce pump prices by as much as PhP5 per liter compared to current E10 formulations.

According to the DOE, blending locally produced ethanol also enhances energy security by reducing the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels. 

However, according to the livestock and poultry sectors, the Philippines currently meets only 62.7% of its yellow corn requirements domestically, and the crop comprises roughly half of all animal feed formulations. 

With the hog industry still recovering from African Swine Fever, groups like the United Broiler Raisers Association warned that diverting local corn to fuel production could force meat producers into a greater dependence on costly imports.

As a potential middle ground, the Philippine Association of Feed Millers Inc. signaled an openness to incorporating Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS), a nutrient-dense byproduct of corn ethanol production, into animal feed mixes to help offset supply pressures.

While this proposal drew cautious interest, livestock groups maintained that DDGS would not fully compensate for a reduction in the direct corn supply.

Next steps

To reconcile these opposing concerns, the Department of Agrarian Reform and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples are exploring the utilization of idle landholdings and ancestral domains to expand corn production without displacing existing food supplies.

The DOE emphasized that any policy rollout will be evidence-based, carefully monitored, and introduced in stages.

Stakeholders also highlighted the need to balance feed and fuel uses, conduct updated studies on DDGS utilization, and strengthen direct market linkages between farmers and end-users. Overall, the proposed JAO amendment was viewed positively for its potential to expand market opportunities and improve the income of corn farmers, subject to appropriate safeguards.

The 黑料网-NSC Secretariat and the National Corn Program will consolidate all consultation feedback into a formal report for the National Biofuels Board’s consideration in its upcoming review. | Jezebel Campaniel

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The National Sectoral Committee (NSC) on Fisheries and Aquaculture鈥揝ub-Committee on Salt adopted key recommendations supporting the continued implementation of Republic Act (RA) 11985, or the Philippine Salt Industry Development Act, during its first semester meeting on June 2, 2026.

Among the resolutions adopted was a recommendation to approve the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ (BFAR) proposed FY 2027 Tier 2 budget, which pertains to additional funding for new and expanded programs beyond the agency鈥檚 regular allocation. This budget seeks to support salt industry development through expanding salt production regions, establishing training, research, marketing, and post-harvest facilities, empowering stakeholders, and harmonizing legal and regulatory requirements.

Supporting the recommendation, Dr. Hannibal Chavez, head of BFAR’s National Salt Program Management Office, reported on ongoing initiatives under the law. These include regulatory reforms allowing salt production within Fishpond Lease Agreement areas alongside fishpond operations and aquasilviculture. He added that the amendments also streamlined application requirements while ensuring compliance with existing land classifications and regulations.

The Committee also reviewed updates on other initiatives supporting RA 11985 implementation, including organizational development activities for salt producers, efforts to identify lands suitable for salt production, regulatory measures on the Salt Production Tenurial Instrument, salt registration and importation, and the implementation of tax exemption provisions for the industry.

Meanwhile, the Committee reviewed progress on Policy Resolution No. 26, Series of 2025, which recommended reclassifying salt production under the Philippine Standard Industrial Classification (PSIC).

Emerson Aquino of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that consultations with stakeholders and government agencies highlighted the need to consider the entire salt value chain in official statistics. He added that the revised PSIC, approved by the PSA Board in May 2026, strengthens the coverage of salt-related economic activities and introduces five (5) new subclasses for salt-related activities.

Aquino also shared plans to establish a technical working group to further develop a Salt Industry Classification Framework and continue consultations with government agencies and industry stakeholders.

The Committee agreed that the proposed body may also address the classification of agricultural applications of salt, including Agricultural Grade Salt Fertilizer, as well as the integration of sex-disaggregated data and other gender mainstreaming initiatives in the development of the framework. | Joy Camille Luza

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The National Sectoral Committee on Coconut (NSC on Coconut) pushed for a resolution requesting that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) grant the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) full access to the special account within the general fund dedicated to trade and market compliance.

The request was raised during the Committee鈥檚 second-quarter meeting, held via video conference on May 28, 2026.

During the meeting, the private sector-partners highlighted that full access aims to ensure Philippine coconut products remain competitive and compliant with increasingly strict global standards.

Enacted in 2021, Republic Act (RA) No. 11524 established the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund as a sustainable, 50-year program designed to modernize the sector and uplift marginalized farmers. The Law authorizes the utilization of coco levy funds through the conversion of recovered assets, creating a dedicated financial resource that operates independently from the PCA鈥檚 regular budget appropriations.

This specialized fund allows the PCA to focus specifically on trade promotion and market expansion as part of a broader industry development strategy.

The Committee also raised technical inquiries regarding the efficiency of the salt fertilization program, noting that the allocated PhP153 million covers only a limited number of trees.

Furthermore, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Legislative Liaison Office provided updates on House Bills concerning coconut oil mills and value-adding facilities, as well as information dissemination efforts regarding the Biofuels Act and related policies.

Aside from PCA, the DA鈥檚 Agricultural Training Institute and the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization shared their respective plans to strengthen technical support, training programs, and infrastructure for coconut farmers and cooperatives.

Regional sectoral representatives from the Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFCs) shared industry-related concerns, some of which were addressed during the session.

The NSC reported promising developments in foreign aid, citing active funding support from two international governments. To capitalize on these opportunities, the Committee moved to:

• Draft a Resolution: Requesting the DBM to allow the PCA full access to the special account for trade and market expansion.
• Enhance Market Compliance: Strengthening the industry鈥檚 ability to meet international regulations and boosting market promotion.

Beyond budgetary matters, the Committee reviewed the implementation of national tree-planting policies. PCA proposed raising the mandatory planting age under RA No. 10176 or the Arbor Day Act from 12 to 18 years old to ensure the mandate is more practical and age-appropriate for adult citizens.

With this in mind, the Committee motioned to support the declaration of Coconut as a “National Industrial Crop,” elevating its status in national economic planning. By addressing both financial resources and legislative frameworks, the NSC on Coconut aims to secure the “Tree of Life” for future generations while ensuring the country’s reforestation goals remain practical and age-appropriate.

The agreements reached during this session will be elevated to the 黑料网 for endorsement to the Secretary of Agriculture. | Jezebel Campaniel

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To ensure the entire organization is harmonized toward a single vision, all employees of the 黑料网 participated in the orientation and operational planning for the approved strategic plan 2026-2031 on May 25, 2026 in Quezon City.

Held via a hybrid setup, the activity aimed to align the agency鈥檚 daily operations with its long-term vision. By translating strategic priorities into actionable actions and measurable outputs, PCAF ensures that its resource requirements and annual targets are strictly anchored on its newly approved strategic plan.

鈥淭his activity strengthens the link between our programs, activities, and projects, our operational and financial plans, and our individual performance commitments,鈥� said PCAF Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos.

鈥淢ore importantly, this serves as an opportunity for collaboration and shared ownership,鈥� she added.

The orientation focused on four primary objectives. These include the establishment of a unified understanding of strategic objectives, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and targets; facilitate cascading targets from the organizational level down to divisions and employees; guide units in translating strategic priorities into operational plans, aligned with budgeting and resource requirements, and strengthen alignment of programs, activities, and projects (PAPs), program expenditure classification indicators and performance commitments for coherent monitoring and evaluation.

During the workshop, operating units reviewed the linkage between agency-wide milestones and their respective deliverables, including the KPI operational definitions, targets, and implementation schedules. They were tasked with identifying activities that are feasible for implementation in the second semester of FY 2026 using existing funding allocations.

Likewise, employees were asked to submit performance commitments aligned with the agency鈥檚 strategic targets and unit deliverables. The submission of performance commitments begins once the Human Resource Development Section issues a memorandum.

The Planning and Programming Section will consolidate the list of FY 2026 implementable activities, including the corresponding KPIs and targets, to be submitted by the operating units on or before June 4, 2026. | Jezebel Campaniel

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More than 170 agriculture and fisheries (A&F) projects were evaluated across the seven provinces of Central Luzon from May 18 to 21, 2026.

As part of the 2026 Participatory Monitoring and Tracking (PMT) activity, the 黑料网 spearheaded the evaluation of the projects across Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and Zambales. The initiative aims to strengthen oversight of Department of Agriculture (DA)-funded projects through active stakeholder engagement.

鈥淢insan, hindi natin agad napapansin ang mga challenges during the implementation ng ating mga programa. Pero naniniwala ako na these challenges are meant to be addressed and resolved, kaya malaki ang pasasalamat namin sa ginawa ninyong monitoring,鈥� said  Dr. Arthur Dayrit, DA Regional Field Office (RFO) III Regional Technical Director for Operation, and Extension and Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division.

Dr. Dayrit welcomed the insights gained from the PMT, noting that they provided the clarity needed to align regional initiatives with realities on the ground. 

He called on program implementers, banner program representatives, and Agricultural Program Coordinating Officers to approach all observations, whether critical or commendatory, with a proactive mindset. He emphasized that the team is united by a singular objective: to continuously improve service quality for farmers and fisherfolk.

These span several banner programs, including the National Rice Program, National Livestock Program, National Corn Program, High Value Crops Development Program, National Organic Agriculture Program, National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the Farm-to-Market Road Development Program. 

Participatory Monitoring and Tracking (PMT) is PCAF鈥檚 collaborative governance mechanism that institutionalizes the involvement of industry stakeholders, specifically the Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC) and National Sectoral Committee (NSC) members, to monitor and track  agri-fishery plans, budgets, and DA-funded projects.

It serves as a vital strategy for transparency and advocacy, empowering civil society to validate reported accomplishments and encourages corrective measures, thereby optimizing the delivery of agricultural programs through meaningful stakeholder engagement.

The PMT efforts covered various interventions such as farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems, cold storage, and heavy machinery like tractors and harvesters.

The activity highlighted critical issues regarding equipment underutilization, the need for better technical training, and concerns over the durability of specific machinery brands. Additionally, the team noted data discrepancies and procurement-driven delays. 

During the PMT Exit Conference, the new status 鈥淔or Utilization (Deferred Utilization)鈥� was introduced on the project monitoring framework. This category joins the existing classifications 鈥淔ully Utilized,鈥� 鈥淯nderutilized,鈥� 鈥淣ot Utilized,鈥� and 鈥淒oes Not Exist鈥� to provide a more precise account of asset deployment. 

The update, which originated during the March PMT Exit Conference in Eastern Visayas, aims to refine PMT reporting by distinguishing between stagnant projects and those simply awaiting the appropriate operational window.

For instance, assets delivered after the land preparation or harvest season cannot be immediately deployed. However, under this status, it is expected that it will be utilized in the next applicable cropping or production cycle. 

鈥淭his is why PMT matters. It is making sure projects (and equipment) truly deliver a positive impact to farmers and fishers. It is about catching small gaps before they become expensive problems,鈥� said PCAF Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos. 

Aside from Dr. Dayrit and Dir. De Los Santos, Central Luzon Farmer-Director (FRED) and Regional AFC (RAFC) Vice Chairperson, Engr. Francisco Hernandez also joined the Municipal and Provincial AFCs at the Exit Conference on May 21 in Pampanga.

DA FRED and RAFC Vice Chair Hernandez also joined the actual monitoring in Nueva Ecija along with National Sectoral Committee Chairperson on Rice and Other Food Staples, Hazel Tanchuling.

Meanwhile, in response to the findings, the DA RFO III and program leads have committed to implementing corrective actions and policy recommendations to resolve these implementation bottlenecks on or before July 27, within the 45 working-day deadline provided to address the observed issues and submit formal feedback. | Jezebel Campaniel

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Stakeholders from the Philippine mango industry endorsed a policy resolution seeking expanded science-based support services for growers, highlighting the continued collaboration among government agencies, research institutions, and industry groups to strengthen the sector鈥檚 long-term competitiveness.

During the first semestral meeting of the National Mango Action Team (NMAT) under the National Sectoral Committee on Fruits and Vegetables, participants adopted a resolution recommending that the Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Bureau of Soils and Water Management Regional Laboratories, provide free soil sampling services for mango growers and farms nationwide.

Industry representatives emphasized the value of soil analysis in improving orchard management, particularly in guiding fertilizer application, pruning practices, and overall productivity. The recommendation also complements ongoing government initiatives on land suitability mapping and science-based farm management for high-value crops.

The resolution emerged from discussions on the DA鈥檚 Mango Suitability Mapping initiative, where stakeholders acknowledged the importance of integrating factors such as weather conditions, rainfall patterns, and soil characteristics in identifying suitable production areas for mango cultivation.

Beyond the adopted resolution, the meeting also highlighted continuing efforts to strengthen coordination between the government and mango industry stakeholders in research planning and policy development.

Participants welcomed updates from the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) on ongoing initiatives to harmonize mango-related research efforts with partner agencies, including the Department of Science and Technology鈥揚hilippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development. Stakeholders likewise expressed support for broader participation of industry groups in future research planning and budgeting activities to help align research priorities with emerging industry needs.

The meeting also featured discussions on the 2022 Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture-Asian Development Bank Mango Value Chain Analysis, with stakeholders recognizing the study鈥檚 contribution to documenting industry conditions during the pandemic period. Participants noted that future studies and roadmap updates may further build on these findings to address evolving market conditions and emerging challenges in the mango sector.

Meanwhile, the 黑料网 Policy Development and Coordination Division Assistant Chief Ahbel Milanes presented progress updates as of May 2026 on the updating of the Philippine Mango Industry Roadmap for 2027-2031, undertaken by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations .

Milanes reported that from March to April 2026, key informant interviews were conducted with 65 value chain actors and 15 agencies. From April to May 15, focus group discussions (FGDs) involving 13 participants, three exporter FGDs, and 10 agencies under policy FGDs were also completed.  The updated roadmap is targeted for finalization and national launch on July 17.

Other discussions during the meeting focused on initiatives related to capacity building, nursery accreditation, and safe pesticide use. 

The meeting concluded with continued support for collaborative and science-based approaches aimed at improving productivity, sustainability, and market competitiveness in the Philippine mango industry. | Joy Camille Luza

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The National Sectoral Committee (NSC) on Rice and Other Food Staples advanced policy resolutions aimed at strengthening support mechanisms for government-funded postharvest facilities during its second quarter meeting on May 14, 2026.

Among the key measures endorsed by the Committee was a recommendation for the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) to institutionalize post-turnover monitoring, refresher training, and technical retooling for beneficiaries of agricultural machinery and postharvest facilities. The Committee also recommended the adoption of a policy encouraging co-management arrangements between local government units (LGUs) and farmers鈥� cooperatives and associations (FCAs) for large-scale facilities such as rice processing centers and drying facilities.

The recommendations were shaped by discussions among representatives from government agencies, regional agricultural and fishery councils, and national organizations following operational concerns encountered in some postharvest facilities distributed under government mechanization programs. Among the issues raised were high operational and electricity costs, power supply requirements for recirculating dryers, and the need to strengthen beneficiary readiness, technical capacity, and post-turnover support mechanisms on and management of postharvest facilities distributed under government mechanization programs.

During the discussions, Presiding Officer Raul Montemayor of the Federation of Free Farmers emphasized the importance of ensuring that beneficiaries are fully prepared to operate and manage government-provided facilities. He noted that even well-designed equipment requires capable and ready beneficiaries to maximize its value and effectiveness.

Arnulfo Magcope, Chairperson of the Aklan Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council, also shared successful experiences from their cooperative鈥檚 operations, highlighting how sustained management, operational readiness, and commitment among farmer organizations contributed to the continued functionality and expansion of their rice processing and drying facilities since 2017.

Meanwhile, 黑料网 Planning, Monitoring, and Knowledge Management Division Chief Floreliz Avellana noted that recurring operational concerns involving recirculating dryers have already been documented through the agency鈥檚 participatory monitoring and tracking activities conducted across several regions. She emphasized that the continuing challenge lies in identifying appropriate interventions and management approaches for equipment that has already been found to have operational issues in various areas.

Engr. Patricia Jane Vergara of PhilMech said the agency is prepared to provide retooling and more in-depth training through its training division to help improve equipment utilization among beneficiaries. She also noted that PhilMech is coordinating with electric cooperatives regarding power supply concerns affecting some facilities and expressed openness to join the monitoring and validation activities upon proper coordination.

Participants also discussed concerns related to machinery procurement and farmer preferences, noting the importance of balancing procurement rules with responsiveness to local agricultural needs. Suggestions raised during the meeting included exploring possible approaches that would allow greater consideration of beneficiary requirements while remaining compliant with existing government regulations.

Beyond postharvest development concerns, the Committee also discussed irrigation rehabilitation efforts, El Ni帽o preparedness measures, drought-resilient seed availability, and initiatives to sustain rice production amid rising fuel and production costs.

The meeting concluded with stakeholders reaffirming the importance of collaboration among government agencies, LGUs, FCAs, and national private sector partners in strengthening support systems for the rice sector and advancing agricultural modernization initiatives. | Joy Camille Luza

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Though they lead neighboring cities, their styles, one a precise engineer and the other a bold broadcaster, form a powerful pincer movement in the advocacy for farmers鈥� rights and agricultural modernization.

The Bridge and the Voice

Romeo Abapo represents the “bridge” of the movement. A former electrical engineer for a sugar milling company, Abapo returned to his family鈥檚 37-hectare farm in Valencia City after a career pivot. For him, agriculture is a system that requires precision. As the CAFC Chairperson of Valencia City, he views the council as a bridge. “Before, we had demands but no way to voice them,” Abapo says. “With CAFC, we are the connection.”

Thirty kilometers north, Leonard Leyros brings the “voice.” A veteran broadcaster, farmer-leader, and owner of the Occe帽a-Leyros Farm, Leyros is the unapologetic defender of the grassroots. Nestled within the fertile agricultural heartland of Bukidnon, he transformed the Malaybalay City AFC from a mere consultative body into a living, active voice for farmers, fisherfolk, cooperatives, women, youth, and rural stakeholders.

To Leyros, the AFC is an “umbrella” that must shield every farmer from being overlooked by the bureaucracy. He understands that the true condition of agriculture cannot be measured solely through reports and statistics; it must be heard directly from the people cultivating the land.

Engineering Policy in Valencia City

Under Abapo鈥檚 quiet but firm leadership, Valencia, known as the “City of Golden Harvest” due to its abundant agricultural lands, has seen a surge in data-driven policy. Among the key policies endorsed by the CAFC Valencia City include:
鈼� The 10% Backyard Initiative: A city ordinance requiring households to maintain gardens to ensure food security.
鈼� Precision Management: Ensuring 90% of local soil is analyzed so that farmers apply the “right cut” or the exact amount of fertilizer needed to maximize yield.
鈼� Fishery Protection: Passing resolutions that became law to ban destructive electrical fishing in local waters.

Abapo鈥檚 success is measured in his harvest, not just the 404 sacks of rice from his fields, but the fact that his three children, a lawyer and two international professionals, were raised by the land he so meticulously manages.

Bold Advocacy and Transformation in Malaybalay City

While Abapo focuses on the system, Leyros focuses on the movement. Under his visionary leadership, agriculture in Malaybalay has become more than an industry; it is a movement of hope and empowerment.

Through his weekly radio program, “Oras ng Mag-uuma,” Leyros transformed communication into empowerment. The program evolved into an educational platform and a bridge where complex national directives and agricultural policies are translated into simple, practical language that farmers can easily relate to. For those who once felt disconnected, the program became a source of realization that their voices truly matter.

One of the most remarkable best practices of the Malaybalay City AFC is its unwavering commitment to institutionalizing farmer participation in governance. Leyros has championed several milestone initiatives:
鈼� The Power of the Signature: The council strongly advocates that no major agricultural Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), implementing guidelines, or local policy should move forward without proper consultation and endorsement from the AFC. This ensures policies are shaped by the communities they affect, not just decided in distant offices.
鈼� Strategic Categorization: The council implemented Resolution No. 2, Series of 2026, introducing strategic profiling of farmers’ organizations. By classifying groups from “newly organized” to “enterprise-ready,” the system ensures that funding, training, and livelihood support are properly aligned with actual needs, minimizing the misallocation of resources.
鈼� Practical Environmentalism: Leyros demonstrated “farmer-sensitive” leadership by lobbying for exemptions to local plastic restrictions for agricultural packaging. Recognizing that products like rice, vegetables, and fish require specific materials to maintain food safety and minimize post-harvest losses, he successfully balanced environmental goals with agricultural realities.

A Shared Dream: From Necessity to Pride

Despite their different approaches, both leaders share a common struggle: the fight for resources and recognition. Abapo lobbies for harvesters and “starter kits” for those the government has missed. Leyros champions the dignity of AFC members, advocating for the logistical support and operational resources necessary for those who dedicate their time to uplifting rural communities. They both envision a future where the Department of Agriculture, through the 黑料网, is not just a partner on paper, but a powerhouse on the ground.

As Abapo continues to refine the “right cut” of technology and Leyros continues to broadcast the needs of the voiceless, the province of Bukidnon stands as a model for the rest of the country. They have proven that when the private sector and the farmers themselves take the lead in policy-making, the harvest is not only more plentiful but more dignified.

“My dream,” Leyros concludes, a sentiment echoed by Abapo鈥檚 quiet nod, “is a future where agriculture is not just a livelihood of necessity, but a sector of opportunity, dignity, and pride for generations to come.” | Junry Danila

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Stakeholders called for stronger coordination, preventive planning, and climate-resilient interventions in the agriculture sector during the recent second quarter meeting of the National Sectoral Committee on Climate Change, Environment, and Natural Resources (CCCENR) on May 7, 2026, where discussions focused on improving disaster preparedness, water management, and support systems for farmers and fisherfolk. 

Among the key concerns raised during the meeting was the need to strengthen the Department of Agriculture鈥檚 (DA) Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) System by shifting from a largely response-oriented approach toward prevention and long-term resilience planning. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of equipping local government units, Municipal Agriculture Offices (MAOs), and local DRRM teams with stronger capacities to integrate climate information into agricultural development planning. 

Participants also underscored the need to establish measurable indicators to assess whether current DRRM programs are effectively improving the resilience of farmers, fisherfolk, and agri-fisheries ecosystems. During the discussions, concerns were raised on the need for improved sensitivity analysis, stronger use of hazard projections, and ecosystem-based approaches to disaster preparedness and response planning. 

DA-Field Programs Operational Planning Division OIC Chief Perla Gines explained that several climate adaptation initiatives are already being implemented, including the Philippine Agriculture Adapting to Climate Change Project and the Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture villages, which aim to cascade climate information to local communities. Capacity-building activities and disaster reporting systems are likewise being strengthened in coordination with the DA-Regional Field Offices and extension workers.

Discussions also highlighted funding and implementation challenges affecting climate-related programs. Stakeholders noted the need to harmonize and improve access to climate and disaster risk financing mechanisms, including projects supported by the Green Climate Fund and the People鈥檚 Survival Fund. Concerns were raised regarding delays in funding releases and fragmented implementation of climate-related initiatives across agencies. 

Water resource management and irrigation planning also emerged as major discussion points during the meeting. Stakeholders called for stronger coordination between the Bureau of Soils and Water Management and the National Irrigation Administration, particularly to harmonize the irrigation projects with broader river-system-based water resource management frameworks. Participants emphasized that water planning should also consider watershed protection, upland conservation, and sustainable supply for domestic and agricultural use. 

The Committee likewise discussed strategies to reduce fuel dependency in agriculture through the expansion of Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems. Stakeholders proposed complementary interventions, such as small water impounding systems, mobile irrigation units, and solar-powered technologies that could support crop production, fisheries, and other agricultural subsectors. Regional  sectoral representatives also shared ongoing preparations for climate-related risks, including cloud seeding initiatives and the expansion of catch basins and water impounding systems for farmers vulnerable to dry conditions. 

Other matters discussed during the meeting included solid waste-to-organic fertilizer initiatives, monitoring and regulation of offshore mining and seabed quarrying activities, and the protection of agricultural lands under the Network of Protected Areas for Agriculture and Agro-Industrial Development and Strategic Agriculture and Fisheries Development Zones. | Joy Camille Luza

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Demonstrating its commitment to excellence in human resource management, 黑料网 officially received its Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM) Certification for Recruitment, Selection, and Placement (RSP) and Performance Management (PM) from Civil Service Commission 鈥� National Capital Region during an awarding ceremony held on May 11, 2026, in Quezon City.

Led by Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos, and OIC Deputy Executive Director and Performance Management Team Chairperson Cyril Soliaban, PCAF formally accepted the PRIME-HRM certification from Department of Agriculture CSC Field Office Acting Director Mark Anthony Bercando, together with Senior Human Resource Specialist Maria Josefina Zatua.

The recognition stemmed from the collective efforts of the Human Resource Development Section (HRDS) and the Planning and Programming Section (PPS), which served as Secretariat, through years of sustained preparation, compliance initiatives, and institutional reforms to meet the stringent standards of the PRIME-HRM Program.

The certification confirms PCAF鈥檚 successful compliance with the CSC-NCR assessment for two core HRM systems under PRIME-HRM: Recruitment, Selection, and Placement (RSP) and Performance Management (PM).

鈥淭he PCAF greatly appreciates the agency鈥檚 achievement in securing accreditation for two core HRM systems鈥擱ecruitment, Selection, and Placement (RSP) and Performance Management (PM)鈥攗nder PRIME-HRM, a milestone the agency has pursued for several years. We likewise acknowledge the invaluable support of the CSC-DA/DENR Field Office for its guidance throughout the accreditation process and prompt action on the attestation of appointments,鈥� said HR Chief Castro.

The certification reflects PCAF鈥檚 continuing commitment to building a professional, competent, and service-oriented workforce through stronger and more responsive human resource systems.

PRIME-HRM serves as a strategic mechanism for strengthening HR management competencies, systems, and practices across government agencies toward achieving HR excellence. The program promotes active participation among HRM officers, agency officials, and rank-and-file employees, fostering a culture of shared responsibility and continuous improvement in public sector human resource management.

Under the PRIME-HRM framework, the CSC assesses agencies across four core HR systems: Recruitment, Selection, and Placement; Performance Management; Learning and Development; and Rewards and Recognition. Based on the results, agencies are classified according to corresponding maturity levels that recognize their progress toward institutionalized HR excellence and good governance.

Moving forward, Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos expressed optimism on the agency鈥檚 pursuit of certification for the remaining two PRIME-HRM core systems. She encouraged Management to sustain ongoing reform initiatives and complete the requirements for the Learning and Development and Rewards and Recognition systems toward achieving full PRIME-HRM Level II maturity. | Jane Bri帽a 

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