In a move towards transparency and inclusive governance, the Department of Agriculture (DA), through the 黑料网, in partnership with various DA livestock agencies, conducted a nationwide stakeholder consultation for the National Animal Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) on March 30, 2026 in Quezon City. 

The event brought together approximately 130 representatives from government agencies, private sector, and the academe to vet the strategic roadmap mandated by Republic Act (RA) No. 12308, also known as the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act that aims to modernize the Philippine livestock, poultry and dairy sectors.

The consultation served as a critical platform for the DA to ensure that the NAIDP is not merely a government document, but a collaborative blueprint reflecting the true needs of the industry. By adopting a “plenary-breakout-plenary” format, PCAF, together with DA Office of the Undersecretary for Livestock (OUSL), prioritized the voices of stakeholders across the swine, poultry, beef cattle, dairy, small ruminant, and carabao sectors.

During the breakout sessions, participants were encouraged to validate proposed interventions and identify cross-cutting issues. The inclusive approach aimed to align national priorities with industry realities, ensuring the modernization and global competitiveness of the Philippine animal industry.

Key issues and policy discussions

The plenary discussions tackled several pressing concerns currently facing local producers.

The OUSL confirmed that implementing guidelines of the RA 12308 are being developed, specifically covering sanctions and local government unit fees. They also raised concerns regarding excessive imports affecting farmgate prices, prompting calls for clearer regulatory mechanisms within the NAIDP. 

Meanwhile, it was clarified that the Animal Competitiveness Enhancement Fund will be utilized in alignment with approved industry roadmaps, with specific allocations already designated for hog repopulation and herd build-up. 

To ensure sound policy decisions, the NAIDP utilizes data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, verified by DA agencies and subject to further stakeholder validation. Other notable recommendations included reducing corn tariffs from 15% to 5%, establishing animal quarantine areas, and integrating soil health strategies into the core NAIDP plan. 

The path forward

PCAF and OUSL agreed to give the participants the opportunity to review and provide additional inputs for the refinement of the plan and submit it four days after the activity.

Following this, a writeshop will be conducted within the month of April to revise the NAIDP based on the gathered feedback. 

The final draft is scheduled for endorsement to the OUSL, while a tentative presentation to PCAF鈥檚 National Sectoral Committee on Poultry and Livestock is set within the month. It will be endorsed to the DA Secretary through the adoption of appropriate Committee policy resolution. 

Through this consultation, the DA family aims to finalize a roadmap that fosters a resilient, biosecure, and highly productive livestock and poultry sector for the Philippines. | Jezebel Campaniel

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The National Sectoral Committee on Fruits and Vegetables (NSC-FV), through a policy resolution, urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to develop a mitigation plan addressing the potential impact of the ongoing fuel supply chain disruption on the country鈥檚 fruits and vegetables sector.

During its first quarter regular meeting held on March 19, 2026, the Committee raised concerns over the possible ripple effects of rising global oil prices on agricultural logistics, production costs, and market stability. While current price monitoring of the DA- Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) indicates that fuel price increases have not yet affected prevailing market prices, stakeholders emphasized the urgency of preparing interventions to cushion farmers, traders, and consumers from anticipated cost pressures.

鈥淎s early as now, sana the Department of Agriculture would come up with a mitigation plan for this [fuel disruption situation] to help the farmers. They鈥檙e talking about fuel subsidy for running their farming equipment and interventions as far as logistics,鈥� said Dr. Mary Ann Sayoc, Chairperson of the NSC on FV.

Discussions during the meeting highlighted increasing operational costs across the value chain, including higher trucking fees, electricity expenses for cold storage, and logistics costs. Stakeholders also flagged risks such as potential power outages that could disrupt storage systems and lead to spoilage, particularly in sensitive commodities like onions.

DA-AMAS noted that price movements are continuously monitored, with forecasts generally aligning with actual trends. However, current models do not yet factor in external shocks such as fuel supply fluctuations. The agency is reportedly developing strategies to address the potential impacts of the crisis, particularly on logistics and fuel-related costs.

Beyond the fuel crisis, the Committee also unanimously endorsed the proposed FY 2027 Plan and Budget Proposal of the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP).  This endorsement reaffirms a commitment to scaling up high-value crop productivity, bolstering national food security, and systematically reducing  the country’s reliance on imports. The proposal outlines priority commodities across fruits, vegetables, legumes, spices, and industrial crops, alongside major projects such as the Protected Cultivation System, Community-Based Nurseries, and Vegetable Project for Local Food Security.

The meeting also surfaced broader sectoral concerns, including the need to strengthen local production of agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides to reduce import dependence. Stakeholders underscored that rising input costs, coupled with external shocks, could significantly affect farmer incomes if left unaddressed.

In addition, the Committee adopted resolutions revisiting policy recommendations on urban agriculture, particularly the use of deep wells for irrigation in Quezon City, and supporting financial assistance for the annual Mango Congresses.

With multiple resolutions passed, the NSC-FV strengthened  its role in policy advocacy for the fruits and vegetables sector, with a focus on proactive measures to address emerging economic and environmental challenges. | Joy Camille Luza

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They are the quiet architects of the Philippine agri-fishery sector鈥攖he women and men who trade their time and knowledge for the development of the industry.

On March 26, 2026, over 400 dedicated private-sector partners from national and local levels gathered to celebrate the 11th National Agriculture and Fisheries Volunteers鈥� Day (NVD) and cheer for the country’s agri-fishery champions.

The NVD is an annual event organized by the 黑料网. The event highlighted the transformative power of volunteerism in shaping a sustainable and robust future for Filipino farmers and fisherfolk through participatory governance.

It honors volunteers at national, regional, provincial, city, and municipal levels for their role in advancing participatory governance as mandated by the Volunteer Act of 2007 (RA 9418).

The event featured Billie Crystal Dumaliang, co-founder and advocacy director of the Masungi Georeserve Foundation, as the inspirational speaker. Drawing parallels between environmental conservation and agricultural volunteerism, as well as the role of women in these efforts, she emphasized, 鈥淜ailangan silang pakinggan. Kailangan silang suportahan. Kailangan silang pagkatiwalaan. Dahil kapag umangat ang kababaihan鈥攂uong komunidad ang umaangat.鈥�

Honoring the Champions

The highlight of the celebration was the recognition of outstanding volunteers, councils, and committees for their exceptional leadership in 2025. This year鈥檚 ceremony conferred a total of 80 awards across 40 categories at both the national and local levels, with winners receiving cash prizes and plaques in honor of their dedication.

The awards for regional leadership highlighted the power of grassroots collaboration. Dante Tobias, Chairperson of the Cagayan Valley Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC), accepted the award for Outstanding RAFC Executive Committee.

鈥淲inning this award is a clear manifestation of the spirit of volunteerism and cooperation among the AFCs鈥攆rom the regional level down to the barangay levels,鈥� Tobias said. He emphasized that the council鈥檚 success is rooted in mutual trust, which has enabled a unified vision for the economic advancement of farmers and fisherfolk across Cagayan Valley.

In a similar vein of regional dedication, Engr. Miguel Pedroso of Eastern Visayas was named Outstanding RAFC Chairperson. Pedroso attributed his success to a disciplined approach to policy implementation.

鈥淚鈥檝e been consistent since the beginning of my service,鈥� Pedroso said. 鈥淚 bring the farmers鈥� and fishers鈥� concerns from every consultation to the table. My advocacy is to increase their income through supplemental crops like jackfruit and ube, helping them provide a better future for their children.鈥�

The celebration also honored those bridging the gap between stakeholders and the government. Dinna Umengan, representing the National Sectoral Committee (NSC) on Fisheries and Aquaculture, received the Partnership Champion award for her efforts to enhance collaboration beyond committee membership.

鈥淭his serves as an inspiration to continue striving forward, as many policy issues still need to be addressed,鈥� Umengan said. She noted that the NSC on FA鈥檚 shared goal is to ensure the fisheries and aquaculture sectors remain robust enough to support the livelihoods of every fish worker.

Finally, the Advocacy Award was presented to Dr. Ernesto Ordo帽ez, who viewed the recognition as a tribute to the legions of volunteers fighting for the justice of the agricultural sector. 

Ordo帽ez highlighted the national impact of collective action, noting that his voice only carried weight because of the “wise recommendations” relayed from committee members to decision-makers.

To Ordo帽ez, the award is a mandate to ensure that every hard-won recommendation reaches the Agriculture Secretary鈥檚 desk for personal review. He remains steadfast in the belief that these long-term policies, as they are implemented, will create the necessary conditions for a sustainable and resilient agricultural future.

 Complete List of 11th NVD Winners

The 11th NVD Celebration concluded with a renewed commitment to foster inclusive development, proving that when the voices of volunteers are heard, the future of Philippine agriculture remains bright.

PCAF Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos noted that the agency recognizes not only the volunteers’ contributions but also the spirit of volunteerism鈥攖he belief that every individual has the capacity to contribute to national development.

DA Undersecretary for Operations, Engr. Roger Navarro, added that the ecosystem of volunteerism does not exist in isolation. 鈥淭his collaboration is the backbone of effective governance. Multi-stakeholder engagement leads to shared ownership. When we work together, the success of a project isn’t just 鈥楧A鈥檚 success鈥欌�攊t is the triumph of no less than the whole community it serves.鈥�

Senator Francisco 鈥淜iko鈥� Pangilinan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, and PCAF Chief Executive Officer and DA Undersecretary-Designate for Identified High-Value Export Crops and Agri-Fishery Export Development and Promotion Philip C. Young also extended their congratulations, highlighting the volunteers鈥� significant contributions to the sector and their continued commitment to participatory governance. | Jezebel Campaniel

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As the country faces rising energy prices fueled by international conflicts, the National Sectoral Committee (NSC) on Coconut is advocating  for a strategic, long-term solution to improve fuel mileage.

During its  first-quarter meeting on March 11, 2026, the Committee  passed a manifesto supporting the full implementation of the Biofuels Act and an immediate transition to a 5% coco-biodiesel blend (B5).

Although not a 鈥渜uick fix鈥� for the high gas prices the country is currently facing, the full implementation of biofuel and B5 transition offers superior engine performance, better mileage, and a more self-reliant energy sector that reduces  long-term costs. 

Signed in 2007 by President Gloria Arroyo, the Biofuels Act (Republic Act 9367) initially mandated a 1% biodiesel blend (B1) within three months, and 2% (B2) within two years. While the government has sought to reach B5 in 2025 over the years, the National Biofuels Board (NBB) recommended suspending the shift to B4 and B5 in 2025 after international coconut oil prices surged by over 300% per metric ton.

Currently, the blend remains at B3 following the Department of Energy Advisory No. 2025-07-01, which suspended the scheduled increases to protect the economy from the potential spikes in biodiesel pump prices. 

鈥溾�婽he shift is no longer just an environmental goal but a national necessity. It is time to move to B5,鈥� said Victor Gerardo Bulatao, Kaisahan representative to NSC on Coconut.

The manifesto will be endorsed to Senator Francis Pangilinan, Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform. The Committee agreed that increasing the coconut oil component in local diesel will reduce the country鈥檚 dependence on imported fuel while providing a stable market for millions of Filipino coconut farmers. 

Q1 policy resolutions and industry updates

Aside from the manifesto of support, the NSC on Coconut approved two other policy resolutions to establish the coconut sector as a cornerstone of the Philippine industrial economy:

• A  recommendation for the Office of the President to officially designate  the Coconut as the National Industrial Crop to optimize the government support for food, feed, and energy security.
• A call for the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), enhancement to allocate specific budgets for science-based R&D activities promoting coconut-based innovations. 

The PCA also presented a draft issuance, 鈥淧rioritizing the Use of Coconut-Based Products in All Government Functions, Projects, and Activities鈥�.  This policy aims to institutionalize domestic demand, ensuring that the government leads by example in driving industry growth and sustainability. | Jezebel Campaniel

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DC No. 25, Series of 2025  titled 鈥淕uidelines on the Conduct of After-Sales Service Compliance Monitoring (ASSCM) and After-Sales Service Comparative Evaluation (ASSCE)鈥� establishes detailed protocols for monitoring the compliance of Manufacturers, Fabricators, Assemblers, Distributors, Dealers, Importers, and Exporters (MFADDIES).  

Signed by Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., the Circular emphasizes a dual approach to ensure compliance and accountability. 

The ASSCM, which is an annual activity led by the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE) aimed to check if suppliers meet mandatory standards, such as maintaining a spare parts inventory equal to 10% of their average three-year sales.

In addition, the ASSCE, it is the verification process where BAFE and regional divisions interview end-users to confirm if the after-sales claims made by suppliers are actually being fulfilled in the field.

Under these protocols, all machinery must include a warranty card or certificate valid for at least one year. Furthermore, suppliers are mandated to respond to the complaints within three days of receipt. 

Notably, the definition of 鈥渟upplier鈥� under the DC now clearly includes fabricators and exporters, ensuring they are held to the same standards as larger manufacturers.

This is the result of a policy recommendation from the National Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization (CAFMech), titled: Recommending to the DA, through its Regional Field Offices (RFO) and BAFE, to monitor and ensure compliance with the provision of after -sales service by agricultural and fisheries machinery suppliers through the 黑料网.

In the recommendation, CAFMech emphasized the need for 鈥渙n-site鈥� technical support, noting that farmers in remote areas often struggle with idle machinery due to lack of available mechanics. The Committee鈥檚 push for these guidelines is part of the intensified 2027 modernization plan for the agri-machinery sector nationwide.

Failure to comply with these will now be categorized as a prohibited act under the Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Law, potentially leading to revocation of a supplier’s Certificate of Conformity. | Jezebel Campaniel

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A different kind of harvest was gathered on February 10 to 11, 2026 in Quezon City. It was not one of grain or fish, but of raw, unfiltered feedback from the Civil Society Organizations (CSO) representing different regions of the country.

This occurred as the 黑料网 convened the officers and members of the National Sectoral Committees (NSCs) and Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFCs) for the CSO Consultation on Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Plan and Budget Proposal, and Calendar Year (CY) 2025 Participatory Monitoring and Tracking (PMT) Results Workshop.

鈥淎t PCAF, we have always believed that consultations are never just a procedural step.  They serve as our vital check and balance, grounding our plans in real experiences, real challenges, and real aspirations. Most importantly, they reconnect us with the people we serve鈥攁nd remind us why we do this work,鈥� said PCAF Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos. 

For the first time, PCAF conducted the CSO Consultation and PMT Results workshop in the same week.  This strategic scheduling aimed to maximize the time, expertise, and insights of the NSCs, the AFCs, the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) Executive Officers, and RAFC Coordinators. 

Over the two-day activity, PCAF presented the agency鈥檚 FY 2027 Plan and Budget and CY 2025 PMT results, highlighting major findings, implementation progress, operational challenges, and best practices.

The Department of Agriculture鈥檚 (DA) National Banner Programs, including the National Rice Program, National Corn Program, High Value Crops Development Program, National Livestock Program, National Organic Agriculture Program, and Farm-to-Market Road Development Program, presented overviews of their objectives, salient features, strategies, and implementing guidelines.

This is to provide the members of the PMT with a clear understanding of the DA programs and aid them in the conduct of the monitoring and evaluation.  

Furthermore, the group reviewed the refined FY 2027 PCAF Plan and Budget, as well as the targets and schedules for FY 2026 PMT field monitoring and revalidation activities.

The consultation ultimately aimed to consolidate a matrix of recommended strategies and actions, including Gender and Development-responsive interventions, designated responsible units, and a feasible timeline.

OIC-Executive Director Cyril Soliaban emphasized that the activity moved beyond formal presentations. Participants engaged in 鈥渃andid and heated discussions, but always honest and ultimately constructive,鈥� making the activities both intense and productive.

Push for greater transparency and budget alignment

To deter irregularities, participants pushed for the strengthening of the role of RAFC Chairpersons as observers in the procurement and bidding processes.   

It was recommended that they be granted access to complete lists of qualified bidders and contractors from the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System registry to widen participation and limit preferential selection.

There was also a strong call to align Tier II proposals strictly with agency mandates. Participants also urged an increase in Municipal AFC budget allocations, as these Councils serve as the primary feedback mechanisms. 

In government budgeting, Tier I covers the baseline funding required to maintain existing programs and operations, while Tier II represents requested funding for new initiatives, expansions, or high-priority projects that exceed the current budget ceiling of an office.  

On the other hand, CSO representatives urged stakeholders to advocate for an increase in the PCAF budget ahead of its submission to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), specifically by ensuring that the agency鈥檚 Tier II proposal is incorporated into DA鈥檚 Tier I submission.

The participants were also urged to refine the monitoring standards. The review of PMT results led to a call for clearer, more measurable definitions of project statuses, specifically those under 鈥渦nderutilized鈥� projects, to ensure more reliable decision-making and corrective action.

In the workshop, the NSCs and the AFCs reviewed the PMT questionnaire and provided suggestions for improvement. The Monitoring and Evaluation Section will consolidate these for PCAF management鈥檚 consideration.

Moreover, they requested updates on the Commodity Industry Roadmaps and suggested that future revisions be developed through 鈥渂ottom-up鈥� consultation to ensure that they capture and address actual sector needs.

The implementation of the Sagip Saka Program remains a priority as PCAF advocates for its budget to be included under Tier I to enhance the capacity of AFCs in their roles as Local Enterprise Development Councils.

The outputs of the consultation will be consolidated and incorporated into the PCAF FY 2027 PBP for submission to the DBM. | Jezebel Campaniel

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The National Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization (CAFMech) gathered for a high-stakes special meeting to finalize the plan and budget proposals (PBP) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 on February 5, 2026 in Quezon City.

Chaired by Rodolfo Tamayo, the session served as a critical platform for soliciting private-sector inputs prior to the submission of the proposals to oversight agencies.

The discussions centered on bridging infrastructure gaps, boosting productivity, and scaling up the modernization of the country’s agricultural backbone.

PhilMech鈥檚 continuous push for modernization

鈥婽he Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) presented a comprehensive PhP 700 million regular budget proposal for 2027, built on five strategic pillars:

• 鈥婤oosting productivity through advanced mechanization
• 鈥婻educing post-harvest losses and ensuring food safety
• 鈥婸romoting value-added waste and by-product utilization
• 鈥婥reating a conducive policy environment for stakeholders

PhilMech also outlined the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) targets for 2027鈥�2028. Following a successful Phase 1, which significantly improved land preparation and milling efficiency, PhilMech is seeking PhP 9Billion for 2027. This includes:

• 鈥婸hP 8.575B for machinery and equipment
• 鈥婸hP 425M for fabrication, repair, and maintenance centers
• 鈥婸hP 300M dedicated to Rice Extension Services (RTES)

鈥婤AFE on infrastructure transparency and expansion

鈥婽he Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE) underscored its commitment to transparency, highlighting the “FMR Watch” portal launched earlier this year. This digital tool allows for real-time monitoring of Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) construction.

鈥婩or 2027, BAFE is proposing a PhP 30B budget for its Tier 1, with an additional PhP 20B for Tier II request for high-priority initiatives, including:

• 鈥婣 nationwide knowledge census for agri-machinery
• 鈥婽hird-party audits of Farm-to-Market roads
• 鈥婽he establishment of regional machinery testing centers
• 鈥婸ilot testing for emerging mechanization technologies

Taking into account the Committee鈥檚 comments and suggestions, PhilMech and BAFE will undertake a review of the recommendations.

Some of the recommendations include forming a Technical Working Group to harmonize mechanization standards, providing a breakdown of local in comparison with imported machinery and other equipment procurement, and conducting a review to eliminate overlapping functions between regional service centers. 

For BAFE, the Committee recommended that future presentations must include budget proposals and plans from all its regional offices. 

The Committee also suggested possible alignment of the Philippine National Standards with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Blue Book in implementing Farm-to-Market Roads, and streamlining DA regulatory requirements to reduce the paperwork burden on suppliers.

The DPWH Blue Book, also known as the Standard Specifications for Public Works and Highways, serves as the primary rulebook that engineers and contractors must follow to ensure that government projects are built safely and to a high standard.

These proposals aim to address long-standing challenges in the agriculture and fishery sector while ensuring the Philippines remains on track toward food security and climate-resilient farming. | Jezebel Campaniel

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Stakeholders from across Northern Mindanao gathered at the Production Investment Forum for Coffee and Bamboo on January 21 to 23, 2026, in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, to establish a collaborative investment platform to ensure the long-term viability of sustainable agroforestry in the region. 

The primary objective of the activity was to present commodity investment plans that integrate coffee and bamboo-based agroforestry. This strategy is designed to create robust opportunities for stakeholders, including smallholder farmers and Indigenous Peoples (IPs), to participate in sustainable livelihoods and secure alternative income sources.  

Participants included coffee and bamboo growers and other industry stakeholders from Northern Mindanao, members of the Agricultural and Fishery Councils, Indigenous Peoples engaged in the coffee and bamboo sectors, and members of the National Sectoral Committee (NSC) on Coffee and the NSC on Fiber Crops.

The three-day forum was organized in response to the NSC on Coffee and Cacao Resolution No. 2, Series of 2025, and in support of the Department of Agriculture鈥檚 (DA) participation in the Food and Agriculture Organization 鈥淗and-in-Hand鈥� Program aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on ending poverty and hunger.

鈥淲e want to create a farming system where coffee and bamboo remain productive, profitable, and self-sustaining for decades, rather than just a few seasons. Bukidnon is a strategic location because it has strong political support, high material availability, and the country鈥檚 leading high-end bamboo processing facility,鈥� said Edgardo Manda, member of the NSC on Fiber Crops and president of the Philippine Bamboo Foundation, Inc.

By promoting sustainable land use, the initiative seeks to utilize bamboo for soil stabilization and carbon sequestration while integrating coffee for agroforestry rehabilitation. Beyond environmental benefits, the project aims to generate over 1,000 jobs across the value chain, from farming to high-value processing industries.  

黑料网 Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos pointed out that this activity laid the groundwork for a shared vision. 

鈥淟et us carry forward the momentum we have created. The true measure of our success lies in our collaboration by nurturing partnerships forged, refining the investment opportunities identified, and ensuring that the

frameworks we have discussed are translated into tangible benefits on the ground,鈥� she added. 

Outlining the ways forward

The forum featured plenary sessions that covered production and farm-level investment, financing and credit access, and public-private investment. Aside from these discussions, the participants also went on an exploratory visit to coffee and bamboo program hubs in Bukidnon. 

With the information and experience gained, the participants and organizers outlined several critical ways forward to maintain the energy generated during the activity.

• Positioning Bukidnon as a hub: A central goal is to establish Bukidnon as the “Arabica Capital of the Philippines” and ultimately, the country鈥檚 “Coffee Capital,” leveraging its unique capacity to grow all four coffee varieties. Aside from Arabica, the province also has the potential to grow Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.   
• 鈥婽he hub-and-spoke model: Stakeholders proposed a system where cooperatives operate nurseries backed by government-provided seedlings and mother clonal sources. 
• 鈥婼tandardization and quality control: To increase bargaining power, the forum recommended standardizing production practices and improving bean sorting to access premium markets under the “Bukidnon Bean” brand.  
• 鈥婭nfrastructure development: Improving farm-to-market roads was identified as a priority to ensure the efficient transport of harvested bamboo and coffee.  

鈥�Proposed policy resolutions

鈥�To solidify these efforts, the forum proposed policy resolutions aimed at streamlining government and private sector support. These resolutions will be consolidated by PCAF technical team to be presented at the NSC on Coffee and Cacao and NSC on Fiber meetings for adoption.

• Fast-tracking IP projects: The forum calls for the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples to expedite project approvals involving private partners like Rizome. This move aims to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and ensure timely IP community-related project implementation. 
• Expansion of curing and processing facilities: Stakeholders urged the Department of Trade and Industry, DA-High Value Crops Development Program, and the Department of Science and Technology to prioritize the provision of curing facilities and specialized equipment for organized bamboo growers in Northern Mindanao.  

DA Undersecretary for High Value Crops, Cheryl Natividad-Caballero, emphasized in her closing message that coffee and bamboo are strategic pillars for food security and resilient value chains. She urged swift, scalable investments to build a sustainable and inclusive agricultural future. | Jezebel Campaniel

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The 黑料网 celebrates another milestone in human resource development as five of its employees recently completed prestigious postgraduate programs. 

Joane Carla Auditor and Engr. Charmine Joy Esta, from Batch 33, together with Engr. Jahensi Supanga from Batch 34, officially earned their Master in Development Management degrees on January 30, 2026, at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

These scholarship opportunities mark a renewed commitment to professional growth within the agency. Notably, Engr. Esta earned a 鈥淲ith Honors鈥� distinction during their graduation ceremony.

The three officials completed the Middle Managers Class under the Public Management Development Program, a 12-month course offered by DAP. The program is designed to strengthen advanced leadership and management competencies among government employees, particularly Division Chiefs and Section Chiefs.

Beyond local shores, two PCAF employees represented the agency with distinction at Kyungpook National University (KNU) in Daegu, South Korea. 

Patrishia Joy Reytna completed the Master鈥檚 Degree Program in Agricultural Production and was recognized with both the Leadership Award and the Academic Excellence Award. 

Engr. Reynaldo Villanueva, Jr., completed a Master of Science in Agricultural Engineering. He was honored with KNU Academic Excellence, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) President Academic Excellence, and Gilas Award from the Pinoy Iskolars sa Korea group and the Philippine Embassy in Korea.

鈥淚 hope I can share the knowledge that I have acquired in South Korea back to our stakeholders in the Philippines,鈥� said Reytana.

She also aims to align the Korean policies with the needs of the  Filipino stakeholders, with a focus on sustainability for local Agricultural and Fishery Councils.

Meanwhile, Engr. Villanueva, Jr. emphasized that his research on Precision Livestock Farming will contribute to the updating of the roadmap for modernizing the Philippine livestock industry.

鈥淢y research can contribute meaningful, evidence-based insights that can directly benefit Filipino agri-fishery stakeholders,鈥� he added.

The scholarly achievements of these PCAF employees highlighted a commitment to modernizing Philippine agriculture through both grassroots engagement and international analysis. Here is the breakdown of the Capstone Projects, applied research focused on practical solutions, from DAP scholars, and published comprehensive review articles from KOICA scholars:

DAP Scholars:

• Auditor: Strengthening Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation: Enhanced Guidelines for Stakeholder Engagement in the Implementation of Rice Farm Machinery Projects in Camarines Norte.
• Engr. Esta: Improved Implementation of Proper Solid Waste Management Practices through Local Government Unit-Agricultural and Fishery Council Collaboration: A Model of Stakeholder Communication and Engagement
• Engr. Supanga: Social Media for Sustainable Agriculture: Enhancing Youth Engagement and Innovation

KOICA Scholars:

• Reytana: Navigating Constraint: A Review on the Role of Participatory Governance in Addressing Agricultural Challenges and Enhancing Resilience in the Philippines
• Engr. Villanueva, Jr.: The Philippine Livestock Industry: A Review of Current Status, Key Challenges, Emerging Opportunities, and Sustainable Growth Strategies in a Developing Country Context

In a congratulatory message, PCAF Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos reminded the graduates that they are now 鈥渨alking examples of what government service should look like鈥� excellence with humility, leadership with heart, achievements worn proudly, but always in service to the country鈥�. 

These training and scholarship grants are key components of PCAF鈥檚 Learning and Development Program, one of the four pillars of the Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management. | Jezebel Campaniel (Photos courtesy of the scholars and ED De Los Santos)

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Emphasizing accountability and evidence-based planning, 黑料网 Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos issued a seven-point directive to steer the agency toward optimal performance in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.

The directives were unveiled during the FY 2025 Year-End Performance Review and Planning Workshop held on December 15 to 16, 2025. These instructions, which she reiterated at the agency鈥檚 General Assembly on January 7, 2026, demand an evidence-based policy for the submission of accomplishments, for both physical and financial targets.

鈥嬧�淲hile we appreciate traditional planning, we have consciously adopted the principle of 鈥楤uilding What Works.鈥� This concept embraces the reality of uncertainty and change,鈥� ED De Los Santos told participants, signaling a shift from rigid, fixed plans to more agile, results-oriented strategies.

The Executive Director鈥檚 instructions serve as PCAF鈥檚 roadmap for 2026, focusing on strict accountability, financial discipline, strategic procurement, evidence-based planning, policy reforms, and digitalization and modernization.

According to the seven-point directives, Division Chiefs must personally certify the accuracy of all submissions. Accomplishments without timely, verifiable evidence 鈥渟hall not be reported鈥� during meetings.

PCAF will also harmonize common procurement items across Operating Units (OUs) to reduce costs and optimize resource utilization.

ED De Los Santos also mentioned that proposals for 2026-2027 must be rooted in actual performance gaps and direct stakeholder feedback from the National Sectoral Committee and Agricultural and Fishery Council engagements.

She also mentioned that a major review of partnership guidelines for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) is underway to ensure clear contributions to the agri-fishery sector and its stakeholders. Aside from this, all OUs are mandated to align activities with the draft PCAF Strategic Plan 2026-2030, focusing on digitalizing participatory mechanisms.

The two-day workshop, themed 鈥淏uilding on What Works, Transforming What鈥檚 Next,鈥� utilized an Appreciative Inquiry (AI) approach. This method allowed the agency to identify successful practices from 2025 and transform them into strategies to enhance the agency’s performance.

Key financial and physical performance reports were presented by Budget Section Chief Jose Redentor Besenio, PMKMD Chief Floreliz Avellana, and BAC Secretariat Ken Ryan Eleazar. The presentations highlighted the need to reduce failed biddings and ensure the timely liquidation of cash advances, the two areas ED De Los Santos identified for immediate improvement.

Beyond administrative reforms, the agency committed to a high-level dialogue with the Department of Agriculture鈥檚 Operational Management Group. The goal is to refine the Constructors鈥� Performance Evaluation System and improve the logistics of field activities.

The workshop concluded with a commitment from the four operating units to synchronize their physical targets with financial spending, ensuring that “big-ticket” items  like summits and assessments are proportionate to their intended impact on the farming and fishing communities. | Jezebel Campaniel

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