Highlighting the importance of grassroots involvement in agri-fishery policymaking, budgeting, and program planning, the Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFCs) from the Mindanao A cluster agreed to accelerate fund liquidations with regional accountants, expand youth engagement, and standardize the definition of endorsed resolutions to accurately track accomplishments.

These agreements were finalized during the FY 2026 Mindanao A Participatory Performance Review and Planning Workshop. The event took place in Cagayan de Oro City from August 25 to 27, 2026.

More than 50 participants convened at the workshop, including AFC officers, provincial agriculturists, Department of Agriculture (DA) regional accounting and budget officers, and 黑料网 technical staff. Together, they gathered to assess past accomplishments and map out priority actions moving forward.

The Mindanao A cluster comprises Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen), Northern Mindanao, and the Caraga regions.

Building on the initial leg held in Pampanga, the workshop is part of a nationwide series, with three more island-cluster consultations underway, to align local needs with national programs and projects. 

Participatory governance is a governing model where citizens, civil society, and grassroots communities actively participate in public decision-making, budgeting, and project monitoring, rather than leaving decisions solely to the government.

“Empowering our AFCs is essential to building an agricultural and fishery sector that is deeply accountable to its people, resilient against evolving challenges, and responsive to emerging needs. When our councils are well-equipped, local realities effectively steer regional and national investments,” said PCAF Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos, emphasizing the councils’ vital role.

PCAF OIC-Deputy Executive Director Cyril Soliaban also urged participants to maintain execution discipline as they implement their agreements. 

“The plans we crafted and the agreements we reached are only as impactful as their execution. With our new and seasoned AFC officers leading the way, I am confident that our grassroots governance will remain resilient, accountable, and deeply transformative,” he said.

Recommendations and key agreements

During the workshop鈥檚 breakout session, “Bridging the Local Gaps: A Strategic Workshop on Strengthening Municipal and Provincial AFC Involvement in Regional Agri-Fishery Consultative Bodies,” participants addressed operational, financial, and policy priorities to improve responsiveness across all council levels.

Regional and Provincial AFCs (RAFCs/PAFCs) may adopt the definition of “adopted policy resolutions” as policy resolutions that have been officially endorsed by  the Regional Executive Directors, Local Government Unit Executives, or Provincial/City/Municipal Agriculturists to concerned agencies for appropriate action.

RAFCs were advised to coordinate closely with regional accountants to resolve outstanding balances and accelerate the liquidation and disbursement of transferred funds.

Also, participants pushed to expand youth participation in policymaking, endorse the bill reconstituting PCAF into “PCAF Development,” mainstream Philippine Rural Development Project  tools, and hold consultations with the Commission on Audit and the Department of Budget and Management regarding honoraria or incentives for AFCs, AFC Coordinators, and Agricultural Extension Workers.

PMT results and action plans

The 2026 Participatory Monitoring and Tracking (PMT) assessment evaluated 133 DA projects worth PhP178.24 million across ZamPen (76 projects, PhP97.93M) and Caraga (57 projects, PhP80.31M), finding that 67.7% were fully utilized. Northern Mindanao’s PMT is still scheduled for the last week of September.

PCAF also introduced the PMT Dashboard, a collaborative platform for tracking operational, environmental, and project progress. The dashboard is currently being refined based on participant feedback to improve its usability and interface design.  

Issues identified were categorized by severity:

• Critical: Missing Memoranda of Agreement, non-existent or relocated projects, and biosecurity lapses
• High: Infrastructure and machinery defects or terrain mismatches
• Moderate: Off-season delivery timing

To resolve non-operational units and discrepancies, action plans mandate that DA Regional Field Offices tighten beneficiary validation, match equipment specifications to local soil conditions, and enforce contractor warranties and rectifications.

The PMT will also evaluate adopting the designation “Not on-site” rather than “Does not exist” for machinery temporarily deployed elsewhere. Meanwhile, complete revalidation schedules will continue through September and extend into the final quarter of 2026. | Jezebel Campaniel

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Over one hundred Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC) officers, provincial agriculturists, Department of Agriculture (DA) regional accounting and budget officers, and 黑料网  officers and staff gathered for the Fiscal Year 2026 Luzon A Participatory Performance Review and Planning Workshop in Angeles City, Pampanga, on August 11 to 13, 2026.

As the first Luzon cluster conducted under the areawide workshop series, the activity evaluated the physical and financial performance of PCAF regional consultative bodies across the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon, while identifying field-level bottlenecks to shape actionable plans and refine the FY 2027 plan and budget proposal.

A major highlight of the three-day activity was the strategic workshop, “Bridging the Local Gaps: A Strategic Workshop on Strengthening Municipal and Provincial AFC Involvement in Regional Agri-Fishery Consultative Bodies.” 

The workshop aimed to address grassroots coordination issues, establish stronger vertical linkages among municipal, provincial, and regional AFCs, and empower them to actively influence regional policy formulation and agricultural program implementation. 

Aligned with the PCAF Strategic Plan 2026-2031, the workshop also provided an avenue for AFC representatives to identify strategies and priority interventions for 2027-2031, particularly in strengthening grassroots participation, improving coordination across the different levels of AFCs, and enhancing the council鈥檚 contributions to agri-fishery policy development, program implementation, and participatory monitoring. 

Through the discussions, participants identified existing gaps, proposed responsive strategies, and defined forward-looking directions to guide the sustained strengthening of the AFC network over the medium term.

PCAF Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos emphasized the vital role of grassroots participation and transparent governance in driving rural progress.

“We are here to evaluate our physical and financial performance, address field challenges, and make sure every peso and project is accounted for with complete transparency. We’ll also pinpoint operational bottlenecks so we can build mitigation plans and align our priority strategies for the FY 2027 Plan and Budget Proposal,” Exec. Dir. De Los Santos said.

“Bridging the gap between our local councils and regional bodies ensures that the true pulse of our farmers and fishers is reflected in every policy and peso allocated. PCAF remains committed to providing a venue where grassroots leaders can speak up, elevate their voices, and ensure that our collective plans translate into lasting rural development,鈥� she added.

Aside from the workshop, Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) Senior Institutional Development Specialist Renato Manantan presented the mainstreaming of PRDP innovations into regular DA systems. 

While the orientation primarily guided DA planning officers and attached agencies in adopting planning, enterprise, and infrastructure standards, AFC representatives were given an overview of the tools to explore potential Council participation.

Manantan outlined the transition from a binary adoption indicator to an office-level Three-Level Badge System that tracks institutional maturity, from initiation in 2026 to application in 2027 and full institutionalization by 2028. These evidence-based tools, including Value Chain Analysis and geo-mapping, will equip consultative bodies to steer future local project proposals and reinforce strategic planning.

Planning, Monitoring, and Knowledge Management Division (PMKMD) Chief Floreliz Avellana presented the physical accomplishment highlights of the AFCs per region, while Monitoring and Evaluation Section Chief (MES) Engr. Reynaldo Villanueva, Jr. delivered the consolidated Participatory Monitoring and Tracking (PMT) results for FY 2025 and outlined key monitoring initiatives for FY 2026.

The first-semester FY 2026 PMT report evaluated 268 DA-funded projects worth PhP1.03 billion across the Ilocos Region and Central Luzon Region, recording a 55.2% full-utilization rate alongside issues such as missing documentation, inadequate training, and infrastructure gaps. 

Meanwhile, data for the Cagayan Valley Region and CAR remain pending following their August 2026 monitoring activities. To ensure that issues identified during previous monitoring activities are adequately addressed, the PMT team will conduct a revalidation scheduled for November 2026 to assess the corrective actions undertaken. 

Accounting Section Chief Maria Divina Gonzales discussed fund liquidation statuses, commending the strong coordination between AFCs and DA finance officers, while PMKMD Officer-in-Charge Assistant Division Chief Joane Carla Auditor presented the FY 2027 PCAF Budget Proposal based on the National Expenditure Program.

Drawing from the strategic workshop recommendations and plenary discussions, the Luzon A cluster agreed on the following key operational points:

• Strengthening grassroots escalation: Formalizing regular feedback channels between municipal/provincial AFCs and regional consultative bodies to fast-track the elevation of local agricultural issues to regional policy agendas.
• Targeted MAFC support: With the proposed additional funding support for MAFCs, RAFCs shall develop strategies for identifying priority municipalities that will receive fund support.
• Sustained budget advocacy: PCAF shall continue to advocate for increased budget allocations for AFC consultations and other activities that strengthen AFC operations and stakeholder engagement.
• Agency-level accountability: Submitting consolidated monitoring reports to the DA Undersecretary for Operations to prompt immediate agency-level intervention on identified project bottlenecks.
• Providing adequate safety and logistical support for Participatory Monitoring and Tracking (PMT) Teams, including appropriate personal protective equipment and logistical resources to enable effective and safe conduct of participatory monitoring activities.
• Timely fund management: Ensuring Regional AFCs submit proactive, timely requests for fund utilization extensions to optimize allocated budgets.

The activity concluded by welcoming newly elected AFC officers, reaffirming PCAF’s commitment to empowering local leadership across the agri-fishery sector. | Jezebel Campaniel

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鈥�Walang maliit, walang malayo, lahat mahalaga so doon umiikot yung mga bills namin na fina-file doon sa advocacies ni Kaka,鈥� said Atty. Ariel Salamanes, CPA, Chief Legislative Officer from the Office of Rep. Kaka Bag-ao, underscoring the importance of ensuring that the voices of stakeholders are considered in policies that affect the fisheries sector.

This statement echoed the discussions during the National Sectoral Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture (NSC-FA) Stakeholders鈥� Forum on Key Fisheries Legislative Measures, where government agencies, fisherfolk organizations, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders exchanged views and recommendations on proposed fisheries legislation. Organized by the 黑料网 and Tambuyog Development Center (TDC), the forum was held on 13 August 2026 in Quezon City.

Among the presentations was House Bill No. 5606, or the 鈥淎tin ang Kinse Kilometro Act,鈥� presented through a video message by Rep. Renee Louise Co of the KABATAAN Partylist. The measure aims to ensure fairness and safeguard the rights and livelihood of small-scale fishers by restoring and protecting the 15-kilometer municipal waters for them, prohibiting commercial fishing operations within municipal waters, and promoting equitable, ecosystem-based, and rights-based approach to the utilization and management of municipal fishery resources.

This brought to the fore the need for stakeholders to remain part of the policy-making process. With the recommendation of Dennis Calvan of RARE Philippines, the NSC on FA is set to endorse, through a special meeting, a policy resolution urging the DA-Office of the Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and Regulations and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to conduct initial public stakeholder consultations before the Department鈥檚 administrative version of the proposed Fisheries Code amendments is submitted to Congress.

During the forum, the DA-Department Legislative Liaison Office (DLLO) confirmed that the draft administrative version incorporates inputs from initial stakeholder consultations and scientific discussions, particularly on municipal fisheries, and will be presented to stakeholders for further consultation, subject to the approval of the DA Secretary.

For NSC on FA Chairperson and TDC Executive Director Dinna Umengan, discussions on fisheries legislation are important given their potential implications for small-scale fisherfolk.

鈥�Ang dami po talagang issues at maraming stakeholders ang fisheries and aquaculture na ang isang malaking bahagi nito ay ang maliliit na mangingisda na maapektuhan鈥�hindi  lang dahil sa pabago-bagong panahon kundi dahil din sa mga permanent decisions in legislations,鈥� Umengan said.

鈥沦辞 nilulugar po natin na isa sa mga unang na-schedule na polisiya [na talakayin] ay itong municipal water-related policy. Gusto po natin na, mula sa ating mga members ng committee on fisheries and aquaculture, kasama yung mga maliliit na mangingisda at NGOs, malaman ano ba yung status at ano yung laman ng mga proposals sa kongreso, at ano po yung stand din ng Department of Agriculture,鈥� she furthered.

Beyond the proposed consultation, stakeholders also put forward recommendations on the protection of municipal fisherfolk, particularly concerning the 15-kilometer municipal waters provision. They called for the issue to be supported by strong legal, scientific, and historical evidence, while also emphasizing the need to clarify the roles of local government units in municipal waters management.

They also recommended strengthening Fisherfolk Settlement Areas beyond housing to include livelihood, infrastructure, community development, and appropriate tourism opportunities. The forum likewise encouraged diversified livelihood opportunities, including aquaculture and other complementary economic activities, to address the seasonality and vulnerability of fishing-dependent communities.

The recommendations gathered during the forum will now move forward through the NSC on FA鈥檚 consolidation of the stakeholders鈥� positions on the fisheries-related measures discussed. These will be submitted to the DA for consideration and possible integration into the Department鈥檚 official position as legislative deliberations continue in Congress. | Joy Camille Luza

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In a major push toward climate resilience and rural economic growth, the 黑料网 National Sectoral Committee on Coconut held a high-level meeting on July 6, 2026 to map out a new Carbon Financing Framework for Rural Development.

Organized to celebrate World Rural Development Day, the special session directly addressed ongoing poverty and food insecurity in farming and coastal communities. 

Led by Chairperson Charles Avila, the meeting brought together a wide group of government agencies, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), the High Value Crops Development Program, along with private-sector leaders, international non-government organizations, and local farming representatives.

With the Philippines hosting about 347 million coconut trees across 3.6 million hectares, Chairperson Avila emphasized that the coconut sector is in a perfect position to attract massive private climate investments.

The main goal of the new framework is to set up the necessary digital data systems and clear monitoring tools. These systems will help small farmers easily participate in global carbon markets, creating new ways to earn while fighting climate change.

The meeting featured detailed updates on the country鈥檚 growing green economy, highlighting:

• DENR鈥檚 Article 6 Policy Framework & Voluntary Forest Carbon Market Roadmap. This explains the rules for trading carbon credits globally and how the Philippines will grow its own forest carbon projects. 
• PSA鈥檚 Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System Rollout. This outlines a system to officially measure, track, and put a clear economic value on the country鈥檚 natural resources. 
• Philippine Sustainable Agriculture Transformation & DA 鈥� Special Concerns and Official Development Assistance Framework. This presents an integrated strategy for modernizing the country鈥檚 farming sector while guiding local offices on eco-friendly, climate-smart agriculture programs.
• PCA鈥檚 Coconut Carbon Projects. This shows how the country鈥檚 millions of coconut trees can naturally trap and store pollution from the air. 
• Sustainable Agroforestry and Farm Enterprise Program Implementation. This shares a science-based farming plan that uses bamboo to build climate-resilient landscapes while providing training and tools to local communities. 

Turning policy into action, the event hosted a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Confederation of Coconut Farmers Organizations of the Philippines and the Samar Bamboo Corporation.

The partnership officially launches the Carbon Optimization of Coconut-based Agroforestry Landscapes Project. This initiative will transform thousands of hectares in Samar Province into valuable carbon-storing lands by growing coconut and bamboo together.

While stakeholders noted that a lot of structural work, social protections, and profit-sharing details still need to be finalized, officials expressed a strong commitment to driving this new type of climate-smart rural development. | Jezebel Campaniel

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The 黑料网 finalized its operational refinement during its Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Agency Midyear Performance Review and Planning Workshop on July 6 to 7, 2026 in Quezon City.

Guided by its new Strategic Plan 2026鈥�2031, the agency is shifting from tracking basic outputs to an evidence-based governance framework focused on measurable stakeholder impact.

“We gathered today not only to review what we have accomplished but also to reflect on how our work has created meaningful impact for the stakeholders we serve,鈥� said PCAF Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos.

By adopting governance mapping (GM) and stakeholder impact storytelling (SIS), PCAF鈥檚 Operating Units (OUs) was able to analyze the bottlenecks and successes that will shape a more responsive organization for the remainder of the year. GM establishes clear operational roadmaps and accountability, while SIS translates complex data into relatable narratives that build empathy, transparency, and public support.

To optimize service delivery and resolve first-semester bottlenecks, the management committee and OUs agreed on several critical adjustments.

To strengthen stakeholder engagement and service delivery, PCAF will accelerate external partnerships by quickly updating its Civil Society Organization (CSO) guidelines and implementing strategies to meet partnership goals.

In collaboration with the private sector, the agency will develop a citizen reporting mechanism to improve participatory monitoring and feedback systems. Moreover, to support inclusive governance, PCAF will institutionalize youth participation monitoring in compliance with Republic Act No. 8044 and assess its gender mainstreaming initiatives across all operations.

Internally, all OUs need to fast-track priority activities and speed up procurement, obligation, and disbursement processes. The General Services Section will optimize vehicle maintenance funds and expedite essential repairs.

To build organizational capacity and reduce reliance on external experts, PCAF will create in-house training modules and a centralized learning repository to preserve institutional knowledge. Finally, the Interim Information and Communications Technology Unit will drive digital transformation by exploring productivity-enhancing AI tools and benchmarking human resource information systems to improve overall efficiency.

Following the conclusion of first-semester report submissions this July, PCAF will immediately conduct its Joint Midyear to directly align second semester operations with regional partners and the AFCs. | Jezebel Campaniel

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In line with its commitment to the continual improvement of its services and further capacitation of its personnel, the 黑料网 conducted an in-house training seminar titled “Alignment to New Government Procurement Act (RA No. 12009).”

The three-day capability-building activity was conducted from June 30 to July 2, 2026, at the Apacible Hall Conference Rooms in Quezon City.

The training gathered around 50 key PCAF employees, including members of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), the BAC Secretariat, the BAC Technical Working Group, top PCAF officials, and various procurement focal persons from its Operating Units.

To provide professional guidance on the legislative updates of the new RA, PCAF invited Government Procurement Policy Board-Technical Support Office resource persons, Dianne Ibias, Philippe Cortes, and Dr. Abrian Joy Orencia, who expertly unpacked the key differences between the old procurement framework and the newly implemented law.

Emphasizing the critical nature of the activity, PCAF OIC Deputy Executive Director Cyril Soliaban said that procurement is not just a process, it is an organizational responsibility.

鈥淧rocurement starts long before BAC receives the documents. It starts with proper planning, identifying the real needs of our offices, and preparing complete, well-thought-out specifications. Every peso we spend is taxpayers鈥� money and every procurement decision reflects our integrity as public servants,鈥� he added.

Key updates from RA No. 12009 

The RA No. 12009 was enacted in July 2024 and serves as a comprehensive revision of the 21-year-old RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act of 2003.

The training sessions discussed how the new Act introduces flexibility, modern technologies, and a 鈥渇it-for-purpose鈥� approach.

1. Paradigm shift: “Fit-for-Purpose” vs. One-Size-Fits-All

鈥婳ld Provision (RA 9184): Competitive Public Bidding was the absolute default mode. Alternative methods (like direct contracting or negotiated procurement) were heavily restricted, strictly regulated, and often treated with intense suspicion by auditors.

鈥婲ew Provision (RA 12009): Mandates a Fit-for-Purpose procurement approach. It gives procuring entities the explicit flexibility to select from a broader variety of procurement modalities tailored to the specific nature, risk, and strategy of the project, without compromising transparency.

鈥�2. Shift in award criterion: Lowest price vs. best value

鈥婳ld Provision (RA 9184): Goods and infrastructure projects were rigidly awarded using the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid (LCRB). This often forced agencies to buy the cheapest items available, which frequently resulted in subpar quality, frequent breakdowns, or delayed infrastructure projects.

鈥婲ew Provision (RA 12009): Introduces the concept of the Most Economically Advantageous Responsive Bid (MEARB) for goods and infrastructure. This allows agencies to assign weights to both technical or qualitative attributes and financial aspects, ensuring they get the best overall value, not just the lowest sticker price.

鈥�3. Focus on lifecycle costing and sustainability

鈥婳ld Provision (RA 9184): Green procurement and long-term costs were virtually absent in the old text. Evaluation only considered the upfront purchase price.

鈥婲ew Provision (RA 12009): Formally institutionalizes Lifecycle Cost Analysis and Green Public Procurement (GPP). Procuring entities must now evaluate the long-term environmental impact, operational costs, maintenance, and eventual disposal of a project or asset at the end of its useful life.

鈥�4. Modernization and streamlining

鈥婳ld Provision (RA 9184): While it introduced the PhilGEPS system, it was designed in an era of manual, physical submissions, long face-to-face BAC meetings, and restrictive thresholds.

鈥婲ew Provision (RA 12009): Heavily pushes digital integration, explicit use of emerging technologies, and Open Contracting Practices (making data fully shareable across all stages). It also explicitly permits electronic BAC meetings and adjusts thresholds, such as increasing the Small Value Procurement (SVP) threshold up to PhP2,000,000 to drastically reduce bureaucratic delays for minor purchases.

鈥�5. Professionalization of Procurement Personnel

鈥�Old Provision (RA 9184): Members of the BAC and Secretariat were designated to perform these as an “add-on” task to their regular government duties, often leading to limited specialized procurement expertise.

鈥婲ew Provision (RA 12009): Explicitly introduces Procurement Professionalization. It treats procurement as a specialized track within the civil service, providing structured training and capacity-building to create dedicated, qualified procurement practitioners.

Through this procurement training initiative, PCAF commits to ensure its procurement arm remains highly competent, agile, and legally compliant as it steers the agency toward more transparent and high-impact public service. | Jezebel Campaniel

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To better connect the public with essential agricultural services, the 黑料网 joined 11 other Department of Agriculture (DA) agencies, bureaus, and programs at the Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines 2026 Expo. 

The event served as a platform to showcase initiatives, services, and programs designed to support the livestock, poultry, and fisheries sectors. Held from June 24 to 26 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, the three-day event drew over 11,000 visitors from across the country.

Under the theme “Modern Farming Practices, Bountiful Harvest: The Future of Livestock and Aquaculture,” the expo brought together industry leaders, farmers, students, members of the academe, and tech innovators to share knowledge and build partnerships.

In a message delivered by Undersecretary for Livestock Dr. Constante Palabrica for DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., the Agriculture Chief emphasized the government鈥檚 strong commitment to boosting the livestock, poultry, and aquaculture sectors. He highlighted that modernizing these industries is vital to achieving food security and sustainable farming in the Philippines.

Throughout the event, PCAF hosted an information booth where visitors and farmers could access free educational materials and learn about the agency鈥檚 programs, activities, and projects, all while enjoying a complimentary cup of hot coffee.

Technical personnel from PCAF’s key divisions were on-site to attend various forums and gain updated knowledge on emerging technologies and interventions in support of the implementation of Intensified Community-Based Dairy Enterprise Development Project,which aims to boost local milk and dairy production. 

Additionally, technical staff serving as focal persons for the agency鈥檚 National Sectoral Committees on Poultry and Livestock, as well as Corn and Feed Crops, were present to discuss ongoing efforts to improve local animal feed and farming policies.

Civil Society Organization (CSO) accreditation emerged as one of the most frequently asked topics at the PCAF booth. As the facilitator of the national-level CSO accreditation process for the DA, PCAF helps qualify these organizations to act as eligible implementing partners or beneficiaries of DA public funds, grants, and agri-fishery projects.| Jezebel Campaniel, with reports from Jane Brin虄a

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In celebration of the 黑料网’ (PCAF) anniversary and as part of its continuing efforts to promote a culture of learning and knowledge sharing, its Planning, Monitoring, and Knowledge Management Division (PMKMD) conducted a Knowledge Unloading Day (KUD) titled: Insights from PCAF Returning Scholars on June 25, 2026, via Zoom.

The online activity gave returning scholars a venue to share key learnings, best practices, and insights from various local and international capacity development programs. It also promoted knowledge exchange among employees, encouraging them to apply what they’ve learned to strengthen organizational performance, innovation, and service delivery.

Serving as resource persons were Ms. Patrishia Joy Reytana and Engr. Reynaldo Villanueva, Jr., both Korea International Cooperation Agency Philippines (KOICA) scholars, as well as Ms. Joane Carla Auditor, Engr. Charmine Joy Esta, and Engr. Jahensi Supanga, all Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) scholars.

The returning scholars shared key research findings, learnings, and experiences from their scholarship programs, including best practices, challenges encountered, and competencies gained. 

In his opening message, OIC Deputy Executive Director Cyril Soliaban underscored the value of continuous learning within the organization.

“Today, we come together para sa isang pagkakataon na sana magpapaalala sa atin na one of the great investments sa isang organisasyon is that we can make learning as part of our responsibility towards one another,” said Deputy Executive Director Cyril Soliaban.

“We recognize that investing in learning and professional development is essential to strengthening our organization and enhancing the services that we provide sa ating mga stakeholders,” he furthered.

The returning scholars shared their research contributions and reflected on lessons learned beyond the classroom 鈥� from cultural exposure to comparative insights on their host institutions. The activity also made room to unpack the challenges they faced, the competencies they gained, and the opportunities for collaboration ahead, while gathering recommendations to strengthen PCAF’s scholarship.

Closing the activity, Planning, Monitoring, and Knowledge Management Division Chief Floreliz Avellana commended the returning scholars for their accomplishments and encouraged younger employees to pursue similar opportunities.

“To all of you, you made us proud! Nawa ay marami tayong natutunan and to our junior staff, hope you were inspired to follow suit. After all, sabi nga, education is the passport to the future,” said PMKMD  Division Chief Avellana. | Joy Camille Luza

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QUEZON CITY- Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has endorsed a private sector-backed policy resolution calling for the immediate transition to a 5 percent coco-biodiesel blend (B5), and has forwarded the proposal to both the Senate and the Department of Energy (DOE).

The Department of Agriculture鈥檚 (DA) endorsement covers Resolution No. 03, Series of 2026, passed by the 黑料网鈥揘ational Sectoral Committee (NSC) on Coconut, chaired by Charles Avila.

Philippine Coconut Authority Administrator Dexter Buted also expressed the agency鈥檚 full support for the resolution, describing it as a strong potential boost for the coconut industry, which sustains millions of Filipino livelihoods.

Secretary Tiu Laurel forwarded the manifesto to Senator Francis 鈥淜iko鈥� N. Pangilinan, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, and to Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin, who also chairs the National Biofuels Board (NBB).

The shift toward higher biofuel blends was mandated under Republic Act No. 9367, or the Biofuels Act of 2006, which promotes the blending of Coconut Methyl Ester (CME) into petroleum products to revitalize the domestic coconut industry, enhance energy security, and advance environmental sustainability.

A 300 percent spike in international coconut oil prices in the past had forced the NBB to temporarily pause the transition. However, current market conditions are now seen as favorable for its revival.

CME is biodegradable and non-toxic, and produces significantly lower sulfur and greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional petroleum diesel.

Industry experts note that while the B5 blend is a strategic, long-term market intervention rather than a quick fix for fuel prices, it remains a critical step as domestic oil prices are expected to take six to twelve months to stabilize amid ongoing global supply chain disruptions.

Beyond its environmental and technical benefits, the expansion of B5 is expected to help stabilize agricultural prices and generate higher incomes for an estimated 2.5 to 3.5 million coconut farmers.

鈥淭he Department of Agriculture strongly supports the transition to a 5 percent biodiesel blend. This is more than a step toward meeting international standards. It is a meaningful investment in the future of millions of Filipino farmers, workers, and families who rely on the coconut industry for their livelihood,鈥� Tiu Laurel said.

He added that expanding demand for CME would help create jobs, maximize existing production capacity, and generate greater value for the coconut sector.

鈥淎t the same time, this shift strengthens the country鈥檚 energy security and self-reliance by reducing dependence on imported fuels and making better use of a homegrown renewable resource,鈥� the DA chief added. | Jezebel Campaniel

ABOUT PCAF:

The 黑料网 is an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA) that facilitates broad-based participatory development mechanisms and processes by conducting stakeholder consultations and dialogues for policy formulation, and participatory monitoring and tracking of DA-funded programs and projects.

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Following earlier calls for stronger irrigation coordination and water resource management, the 黑料网 Committee on Climate Change, Environment, and Natural Resources (CCCENR) convened a special meeting on June 10 to review the endorsed PCAF CCCENR Resolution No. 3, Series of 2026, on a proposed Unified Irrigation Roadmap and Inter-Agency Coordination Mechanism between the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).

The review builds on discussions during the Committee’s second quarter meeting on May 7, 2026, where stakeholders underscored the need to harmonize irrigation planning, strengthen watershed management, and improve coordination among agencies responsible for water resources and agricultural development.

Presenting the National Irrigation Master Plan (NIMP) 2020鈥�2030, NIA’s Engr. Reynaldo Nilo reported that the master plan is approximately 70 percent complete and highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination with partner agencies through regional irrigation planning and stakeholder consultations.

The presentation prompted discussions on mechanisms to prevent overlapping irrigation interventions and improve coordination between NIA and BSWM. Stakeholders also raised concerns on the long-term sustainability of irrigation systems amid increasing climate-related pressures on water resources, including the impacts of El Ni帽o on rainfall-dependent water sources.

Meanwhile, Engr. Patrick Espanto of BSWM presented the National Small-Scale Irrigation Project (SSIP) Master Plan 2023鈥�2030, which outlines initiatives to support water conservation and improve irrigation services for farmers. Discussions following the presentation highlighted the importance of integrating water conservation measures, disaster risk reduction, and watershed protection into irrigation planning and implementation.

A recurring theme throughout the meeting was the need to strengthen watershed management to sustain water supplies for agricultural lands. Committee members noted that while various agencies implement programs related to irrigation and water resources, stronger coordination and clearer institutional arrangements are needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of watersheds supporting irrigation systems.

To address these concerns, the Committee adopted Policy Resolution No. 8, Series of 2026, recommending the strengthening and full implementation of an inter-agency and multi-stakeholder watershed and irrigation systems management framework to ensure sustainable water supply. Members also noted that a stronger policy instrument may be needed to institutionalize the participation of concerned agencies and stakeholders in watershed management efforts.

The Committee likewise adopted Policy Resolution No. 6, Series of 2026, recommending the strengthening of research, development, and innovation-based risk management strategies for emerging and climate-induced pests and diseases, and Policy Resolution No. 7, Series of 2026, recommending the re-evaluation of support mechanisms and the provision of timely response assistance to climate-affected agri-fishery communities affected by El Ni帽o, La Ni帽a, and other climate-related disasters. | Joy Camille Luza

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