Rooted in Community: Jeciry Antik’s Journey from Sacrifice to Indigenous Agri Leadership

For Antik, the journey to agricultural leadership was paved with personal sacrifice. Forced to interrupt her BS Agricultural Engineering studies at Davao del Sur State College, she moved to Dubai at the age of 21 to earn money for her mother’s medical expenses. Upon returning home, she drew on her earlier leadership experience as Sangguniang Kabataan Chairperson from 2002 to 2007, renewing her commitment to serving her community.

“Leaving my studies and going to Dubai wasn’t in my original plans, but when my family needs me, I didn’t hesitate,” Antik reflected during our face-to-face sit-down. “When I finally returned home to our land, I realized my heart never left community service, I just needed to direct that passion toward helping our farmers.”

In 2017, she became the Secretary and Marketing Manager for the Tibolo Farm Workers Association (TIFWA). Demonstrating her commitment to the association, Antik personally donated a portion of her 2.9-hectare land allocation to serve as TIFWA’s project site.

“When TIFWA was looking for a place to start, I saw an opportunity to give back,” Antik shared, gesturing toward the surrounding fields. “Donating a part of my land allocation wasn’t a loss; it was an investment in our collective future. If our community prospers, we all rise together.”

Since 2017, TIFWA has grown significantly, from 69 members and 1,000 coconut seedlings planted across 15 hectares to a thriving association with 200 active members. Under Jeciry’s guidance, members intercrop coconut trees with coffee seedlings and vegetables provided by the Department of Agriculture (DA), practice selective hand-picking of red cherries for premium robusta quality, and hold Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification for vegetable production.

Antik’s work within the Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council (MAFC) in 2022 and the RAFC as an IP sector representative in 2025 involves navigating complex social dynamics. Advocating for tribal members means tackling systemic discrimination, helping quiet members overcome inherent shyness, and strictly adhering to tribal governance protocols that involves consulting local IP leaders, tribal chieftains, and the National Commission for IP before bringing policy proposals to various AFC councils.

“In our culture, leadership is not about standing out individually; it’s about honoring our roots,” Antik emphasized during the interview. “When I speak at the RAFC, I don’t just speak for myself. I carry the voices of our tribal chieftains and the quiet elders who spent years in the background. We must follow our traditional protocols so our advocacy remains genuine and respected.”

Looking forward, Antik is advocating for the conduct of an annual IP Summit across local, regional, and national levels featuring cultural showcases and product displays. She also plans to lobby for RAFC resolutions that secure exclusive livelihood assistance for indigenous communities, envisioning a world where TIFWA’s premium robusta coffee gains global recognition.

George Allen Callora: Turning Passion into High-Value Innovation

While Antik bridges cultural heritage and coffee production, George Allen Callora brings sharp technological enterprise to the RAFC as its youth representative. Callora founded Nesta’s Chili Company in 2018 out of a personal love for spicy foods, converting his hobby into a commercial enterprise to fund medical treatments for his late son, Nesta.

“Nesta’s Chili Company was born out of love and necessity,” Callora recalled, his tone softening as we spoke face-to-face across the table. “Every bottle of hot sauce and every crop we harvest carries my late son’s name. It started as a way to fight for his medical care, and today, it stands as his living legacy.”

Today, Callora manages 2.5 hectares of chili production across four strategic locations in the region. The distributed farms help ensure year-round harvests and provide greater protection from severe weather.

He cultivates roughly 50 chili varieties and has built Nesta’s Chili Company around them. The company supplies fresh peppers, produces signature hot sauces for restaurant chains, and sells seeds through online platforms such as Shopee and Lazada.

Further bolstering Callora’s success was the support he received from the DA’s Young Farmers Challenge and DA-Upscale Program. He received a ₱200,000 grant through the Young Farmers Challenge in 2021, followed by ₱300,000 from DA-Upscale in 2023. These financial grants allowed him to invest in drip irrigation systems and greenhouses.

However, his journey reveals critical gaps in institutional support. The DA-Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) currently lacks baseline data for chilies, preventing Callora from securing official seed producer certifications or intellectual property protections for his hybrid chili varieties.

“We are eager to innovate, but the institutional systems need to keep pace,” Callora explained directly during our interview. “Without baseline data for chilies at the BPI level, young seed producers like me hit a ceiling. How can we safeguard our hybrid varieties or scale commercially when official certifications aren’t yet accessible for high-value crops like ours?”

As a youth leader on the RAFC, Callora is eager to challenge the perception that agriculture is an unviable career for young people. He also advocates for agricultural waste management policies such as repurposing plastic mulching and aims to construct an FDA-certified facility to hopefully expand his enterprise into supermarkets, commercial establishments and even export markets.

“Many young people look at farming as backbreaking, low-income work, but it doesn’t have to be,” Callora pointed out assertively. “With technology, strategic cropping, and council advocacy, we can turn agriculture into a high-value, modern business. I want the next generation to see that farming can offer both purpose and economic freedom.”

A United Vision for Davao’s Agricultural Council

Both Antik and Callora demonstrate how targeted representation within the AFC can drive real-world transformation. Whether it is a Bagobo-Tagabawa leader honoring tribal governance to elevate high-altitude coffee, or a young entrepreneur pushing for nationwide chili crop standards, their shared dedication proves that Davao’s agricultural future lies in inclusive policies, sustainable practices, and unwavering community service. | Text by Junry Danila. Photos by Joy Camille Luza and Jezebel Campaniel

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Philippine agricultural officials and private sector-partners evaluated Middle East market opportunities for local coconut products under Project Coco Bridge during the special meeting of the National Sectoral Committee on Coconut on September 29, 2026 in Quezon City. 

“Its goal is to move Philippine coconut products from export potential to actual commercial and retail presence in the UAE,” said Michael Sollera, Philippine Agriculture Attaché for the Middle East, Africa, and India.

Sollera explained that Project Coco Bridge is a United Arab Emirates (UAE) market-entry initiative led by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Dubai, in partnership with The Hub Trading and Logistic Services (The Hub) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) Office of the Agricultural AttachĂ©  Dubai post.

A proposal was raised to utilize the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) under the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to fund the Project. In response, PCA said that the government accounting regulations and CFIDP fund limitations must be reviewed before allocating funds for the Project Coco Bridge. 

The initiative evaluates products for export readiness while addressing key market barriers, including buyer access, production capacity, packaging, labeling, and regulatory compliance, to assess demand for coconut food, beverages, health, wellness, and personal care items across the Gulf Cooperation Council region.

Project Coco Bridge follows a three-phase structure: Phase 1 (market readiness diagnostic), Phase 2 (business matching), and Phase 3 (retail activation and consumer engagement). 

Under Phase 1, 37 Philippine coconut manufacturers were contacted, and 24 underwent assessment. Of those evaluated, nine were identified as export-ready, while five demonstrated strong potential pending further technical support.

Notably, several participating enterprises have already received CFIDP assistance. The assessment highlighted the need for PCA and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to align and clarify the specific support they can extend to the Project. 

Representing importer and distributor The Hub, Managing Director Lito German detailed the company’s role in assessing distribution channels across UAE modern trade, traditional retail outlets, food service, and e-commerce platforms like Amazon. German noted that the initiative prioritizes small and medium enterprises to help assess and build their capacity to meet international standards.

He identified the initial range of products under consideration, which includes coconut sugar, jam, oil, milk, cream, juices, snacks, nata de coco, desiccated coconut, vinegar, and protein bars.

“The project’s succeeding phase will explore additional products based on UAE market demand and assess whether our Filipino producers can supply them,” German added.

Grassroots concerns and government response

On the other hand, private sector representatives raised concerns regarding grassroots participation and institutional support.

Danilo Carranza of KATARUNGAN pointed out that many smallholder farmers remain limited to low-value copra production due to technical and regulatory hurdles. 

He noted that accessing capital through financial institutions like Landbank remains extremely difficult for farmers, describing the process as even harder than passing “through the eye of a needle,” and urged the government to scale up extension services to align with potential market opportunities.

Similarly, Ireneo Cerilla, Policy Advocacy Officer of PAKISAMA, stressed that coconut farmers have relied on copra for a century and urgently need access to higher-value product interventions to improve farmgate prices and rural livelihoods.

In response, government agencies committed to establishing tighter coordination mechanisms to support smallholders. Representatives from the PCA and DTI agreed to meet on October 5, 2026, to align support under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).

Administered by the PCA using the coconut levy trust fund, the CFIDP aims to increase the income and productivity of Filipino coconut farmers while modernizing, rehabilitating, and industrializing the industry. 

The agencies plan to review gap analyses generated by Project Coco Bridge to target specific interventions, such as credit support, packaging refinement, and facility development, to ensure small farmers can participate in international export demand. | Jezebel Campaniel

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Women leaders and stakeholders in agriculture and fisheries came together in Tagaytay City on September 22–24 for the 2026 Women’s Dialogue, using the spirit of the babaylan to examine the challenges women face and identify ways to strengthen their participation and leadership in the sector.

The three-day activity, organized by the PCAF Gender and Development Focal Point System (GAD-FPS), brought together representatives from PCAF’s Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFCs), National Sectoral Committees (NSCs), government, civil society, academe, and the private sector. DA Undersecretary for High Value Crops Cheryl Natividad-Caballero and PCAF Executive Director Bernadette B. De Los Santos also joined the discussions.

With the theme “Lead Like the Babaylan: Inspiring Women, Transforming Agriculture and Fisheries Communities,” the dialogue looked at women’s contributions, the barriers that continue to limit their participation, and the practical steps that institutions and stakeholders can take to address them.

Awakening the Babaylan

PCAF Planning, Monitoring and Knowledge Management Division Chief and GAD-FPS Vice Chairperson Floreliz Avellana emphasized that the strength, wisdom, and leadership associated with the babaylan continue to exist among women today.

She described the babaylan not simply as a historical figure, but as a symbol of the knowledge, courage, compassion, and leadership that women continue to bring to their communities.

“Hindi nawawala ang babaylan, natutulog lang siya sa dugo natin, naghihintay gisingin,” Avellana said.

PCAF Partnership Development Division Chief Catherine Viray presented the rationale of the activity, noting that while women make significant contributions to agriculture and fisheries, their experiences, knowledge, and perspectives are not always equally visible in leadership and decision-making spaces.

From participation to action

De Los Santos, who also chairs the PCAF GAD-FPS, highlighted the babaylan as a keeper of knowledge, mediator, and community leader who brought people together and contributed to community well-being.

She recognized the barriers many women continue to face in accessing resources and opportunities. She emphasized the need for responsive institutions and gender-responsive systems that provide equitable opportunities for women to participate and lead.

De Los Santos encouraged participants to translate the dialogue into continuing GAD initiatives, knowledge exchange, stronger partnerships, and sustained opportunities for women farmers and fisherfolk.

Undersecretary Caballero highlighted women as community builders, citing the experiences of the Rural Improvement Clubs and Gulayan sa Bayan initiatives. She also discussed the economic contribution of women and the importance of government support mechanisms in sustaining gender-responsive interventions. She suggested developing a policy checklist or similar mechanism to help ensure that gender mainstreaming is consistently integrated into interventions and programs.

Learning, confronting barriers, and building solutions

Resource persons Pacita Juan, Chairperson of the Philippine Coffee Board and regular member of the PCAF National Sectoral Committee on Coffee, and Atty. Anna Liza Mones of the Sentro ng Alternatibong Lingap Ligal provided perspectives on women’s contributions and the barriers affecting their participation.

Juan highlighted women’s experiential knowledge in agricultural work and encouraged participants to maximize government programs and services. Mones discussed gender-based barriers including marginalization, subordination, stereotyping, multiple burdens, harmful norms, and violence against women, as well as legal and policy mechanisms protecting women’s rights, including the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710) and GAD Focal Point Systems.

On the second day, participants examined the experiences of marginalized or “unheard” women, including smallholder farmers, fisherfolk, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, farmers in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, solo parents, and women-led organizations. Through legislative theater, they also dramatized real-life situations illustrating gender-based barriers and explored possible responses.

The discussions generated recommendations for PCAF and its partners focused on five key areas:

• Stronger institutional support: Prioritize women-led FCAs in government support programs and develop policy checklists to strengthen GAD mainstreaming and budget allocation.
• Inclusive leadership: Establish safe-space and meeting protocols within AFCs and create mentorship opportunities for women leaders and newly appointed council members.
• Gender-responsive technology: Advocate for ergonomically designed agricultural and fishery tools and more equitable access to machinery for women farmers and enterprises.
• Economic empowerment: Expand access to seed funding, inputs, enterprise support, technical training, value-adding opportunities, and formal markets for women-led agri-enterprises.
• Better data and capacity development: Promote sex-disaggregated data in agricultural registries and regular GAD and gender-analysis training for PCAF personnel and AFC representatives.

The recommendations will be endorsed to the PCAF Committee on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion for consideration as policy resolutions. These include a recommendation for DA implementing units to regulate the “big brother-small brother” scheme to prevent established cooperatives from abusing or excluding small and new organizations.

At the close of the activity, De Los Santos congratulated the participants and encouraged them to continue supporting and advocating for the GAD agenda.

The 2026 Women’s Dialogue reinforced that the spirit of the babaylan is not confined to history. It continues through women who use their knowledge, courage, and leadership to serve their communities—and through institutions and partners committed to creating spaces where women can meaningfully participate and lead.

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The 2026 National Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization (NAFMech) Summit cum National Consultation on the Proposed Revised National Agricultural and Fisheries Machinery Assemblers, Manufacturers, Importers, Distributors and Dealers Accreditation and Classification (NAMDAC) Guidelines generated 40 policy recommendations to strengthen agricultural and fisheries modernization.

Held on September 14–18 in Pampanga, the five-day event opened with two days dedicated to the national consultation on the proposed revised NAMDAC Guidelines, followed by three days of discussions under the NAFMech Summit. Around 100 participants from government, industry, farmers’ and irrigators’ groups, academe, local government units, and other stakeholders took part in the discussions. The event carried the theme, “Mechanization, Irrigation and Drainage, and Infrastructure: The Resilience Trinity in Addressing the Triple-Shock Crisis through Strategic Investments, Innovation, and Collective Action.”

During the NAMDAC consultation, participants reviewed the proposed revisions and raised concerns on accreditation requirements for agricultural and fisheries machinery suppliers. Among the matters discussed were the documentary requirements for suppliers applying for NAMDAC accreditation through the şÚÁĎÍř and for the issuance of a Permission to Operate (PTO) through the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE). Discussions emphasized the need to harmonize the documentary requirements between the two processes to streamline compliance and avoid duplication. The revised Guidelines included a provision that requires separate guidelines governing the harmonized requirements, with PCAF and BAFE involved in the process.

The succeeding three-day NAFMech Summit focused on agricultural and fisheries mechanization, irrigation and drainage, and infrastructure, with discussions covering renewable energy, financing, standards, technology adoption, and institutional coordination. These discussions resulted in 40 policy recommendations, including a long-term mechanization roadmap, needs-based machinery validation and procurement, stronger coordination on irrigation and drainage, and harmonized standards for agricultural and fisheries infrastructure.

Charting the next phase of mechanization

One of the recommendations calls for the Department of Agriculture to fast-track the development of the Agri-Fisheries Mechanization Road Map for 2027–2050, which emerged from discussions on the country’s remaining machinery requirements and the approaching completion of mechanization interventions under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

Participants highlighted the need for better coordination among concerned agencies to determine what machinery requirements remain and how these can be supported through appropriate financing and lending programs. A longer-term roadmap would help bring these efforts together by providing a common direction for government mechanization programs and investments.

The Summit also called for a conference-workshop to review and align the programs, activities, and projects of agencies covered by the Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Law. The proposed initiative is intended to support agricultural modernization through modern and emerging technologies, including robotics and smart agriculture.

Matching machinery with actual farm realities

The discussions also turned to a recurring concern among beneficiaries: whether the machinery being provided actually matches the conditions and needs of the farms where it will be used. Participants cited cases of equipment that remained unused or underutilized because it was not appropriate to the beneficiaries’ requirements, prompting a recommendation to institutionalize needs-based and site-specific machinery validation and procurement.

Engr. Patricia Jane Vergara of Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization explained that its existing validation process already includes field assessment of conditions such as soil type and other site-specific factors, while cluster focal persons help identify and relay the actual requirements of beneficiaries. It also monitors machinery that is not being utilized and may reposition units where appropriate.

The recommendation seeks to further strengthen these measures by making site-specific conditions, production systems, machinery requirements, and the capacity for sustainable utilization central to the validation and procurement process. It also calls for utilization monitoring and inventory assessment before new machinery is procured, with repositioning, substitution, or other appropriate interventions considered when needed, subject to applicable program guidelines and regulations.

Bringing irrigation and drainage into one policy framework

Water management emerged as another key area for policy action, with participants emphasizing the close relationship between water and food production and calling for greater attention to drainage alongside irrigation.

PCAF Committee on AFMech Chairperson Rodolfo Tamayo noted that irrigation systems have long been in place while drainage has not received similar attention, pointing to the need for a more integrated approach to agricultural water management.

This was reflected in the recommendation to develop an integrated irrigation and drainage policy framework, together with stronger institutional coordination on soil and water resources management.

A related recommendation calls for the Flood and Drought Alleviation In-Situ (FLADRAIN) Project, which was presented by Dr. Rodolfo Undan, to be developed into a formal policy or position paper and pursued for consideration in relevant legislative measures on water resources management. The Summit also called for regular coordination, data sharing, and joint research among agencies working on soil and water resources.

Together, these recommendations reflect a broader approach to agricultural water management—one that considers both water availability and the management of excess water as part of building resilience.

Strengthening agricultural and fisheries infrastructure

Infrastructure discussions focused not only on the construction of facilities but also on whether these investments are properly planned, sustained, and able to deliver their intended benefits.

Participants raised concerns over completed infrastructure that remained underutilized and called for stronger monitoring of facilities after project completion. They also raised the absence of a specific infrastructure code or standard consistently used by the Department of Agriculture as a common basis for planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

In response, the 40-item policy matrix recommends the development or adoption of a harmonized Agricultural and Fisheries Infrastructure Code and Standards, aligned with applicable national and sectoral standards. It also calls for the harmonization of infrastructure standards, technical specifications, and operational manuals across concerned agencies.

From recommendations to action

As PCAF Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos expressed in her message: “In this environment, resilience cannot simply mean recovering after a crisis. It must also mean having the systems, technologies, infrastructure, institutions, and policies that allow our farmers and fisherfolk to withstand shocks in the first place.”

Taken together, these four policy recommendations, drawn from the 40 generated during the Summit, put this call for resilience into concrete policy directions: making mechanization more strategic, managing both water supply and excess water, and ensuring that machinery and infrastructure investments are properly planned, implemented, and sustained. | Joy Camille Luza

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PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, PALAWAN — Strengthening swine repopulation and biosecurity, improving farmgate price and market monitoring, developing post-harvest and processing facilities, and enhancing livestock industry data were among the key recommendations generated during the National Sectoral Committee on Poultry and Livestock (NSC-PL) and Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC) Region 4B Collaborative Dialogue-Meeting held on August 25–26, 2026, in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

The recommendations were identified during discussions among private and public stakeholders composed of PCAF’s consultative bodies, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and its attached agencies, local government units (LGUs), farmer organizations, cooperatives, industry stakeholders, and other partner institutions. 

Linking Local Concerns to National Policy

PCAF OIC Deputy Executive Director Cyril Soliaban emphasized the role of NSCs and AFCs in translating grassroots concerns into actionable national policies and interventions, underscoring the need for concrete outcomes from stakeholder dialogues.

DA Regional Executive Director Atty. Christopher R. Bañas, in a message delivered by a representative, likewise stressed collective action among government agencies, LGUs, farmers, private sector, and other stakeholders in addressing sector challenges.

Key Issues and Recommendations

Stakeholders recommended expanding cluster-based swine production, increasing the number of BAI-registered farms, promoting feed formulation and locally available feed resources, and developing post-harvest and processing facilities in underserved areas.

To address low and unstable farmgate prices, stakeholders proposed stronger local price-monitoring mechanisms, consultation with LGUs on appropriate ordinances, and pricing approaches that consider production costs and reasonable returns. The establishment of local registration or accreditation systems for traders and buyers was also recommended to improve price transparency, accountability, and traceability.

For industry planning and policy development, stakeholders called for improved collection, validation, and integration of livestock data at the LGU level into the national management information system to support value-chain analysis, industry roadmaps, and investment planning.

The continuing impact of African Swine Fever (ASF) prompted recommendations to strengthen enforcement of transport, testing, quarantine, and biosecurity measures; enhance surveillance and compliance; improve access to ASF vaccines; and sustain swine repopulation efforts. Stakeholders also emphasized biosecurity awareness among raisers, community-based interventions, climate-resilient recovery measures, and livestock waste management and biogas technologies.

Stakeholders highlighted high feed and transportation costs, compounded by the region’s island geography, as major constraints to livestock production. Stronger collaboration among farmers, LGUs, government agencies, and other stakeholders was emphasized to address fair pricing, market protection, and sustainable production.

Field visit highlights local initiatives

The dialogue was followed by a field visit on August 27 designed to provide participants with opportunities to observe actual agricultural and livestock initiatives in Puerto Princesa City and draw lessons from local practices.

The participants visited BAC Farm, a private agricultural and livestock farm in Barangay Bacungan; the DA Dairy Production and Development Center in Barangay Irawan; and FarmTeach Inc., an accredited Regional Extension Service Provider of DA-Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) MIMAROPA, an accredited agri-tourism site of the Department of Tourism (DOT), and a non-government organization.

The field visit complemented the policy discussions by allowing participants to see how agricultural and livestock initiatives are implemented on the ground and to exchange experiences with practitioners and project stakeholders.

From dialogue to action

Recommendations requiring regional action will be endorsed through the AFC mechanism, while concerns requiring national-level intervention will be elevated through the NSC-PL. PCAF will likewise continue monitoring and reporting on the recommendations through its consultative bodies.

The activity forms part of PCAF’s continuing efforts to strengthen participatory governance by ensuring that the concerns, experiences, and recommendations of farmers and other stakeholders are brought into agriculture and fisheries policy discussions. | Bernard Masa

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The şÚÁĎÍř disposed of valueless records on August 13, 2026, at the Records Management Unit (RMU) Office as part of its efforts to keep its records organized, updated, and properly managed.

Led by Administrative, Financial and Management Division (AFMD)–General Services Section Chief Celso Mateo, under the supervision of AFMD Chief Marisa Lo, the disposal activity involved 939 kilograms of valueless records from the AFMD, Partnership Development Division (PDD) and Planning, Monitoring and Knowledge Management Division (PMKMD). The records, with an assessed value of PhP 1,878, were officially turned over to D’Lacoste Enterprise, a National Archives of the Philippines (NAP)-accredited buyer. 

The records were identified as valueless after exceeding their prescribed retention periods or losing their administrative, legal, or fiscal value. Their disposal was authorized by the NAP through the issuance of an Authority to Dispose of Records, ensuring that the process complied with established records management standards and protocols.

As part of the disposal process, the records listed in the Request for Authority to Dispose of Records (NAP Form 3) were verified in the presence of  PCAF Auditor Jessey Rexele Belgira, NAP Records Management Analyst Hazel Orlina, and representatives from the concerned divisions.

Also present were AFMD OIC-Assistant and Budget Section Chief Jose Redentor Besenio, PDD Assistant Chief Alvin Racho, and PMKMD Knowledge Management Section Chief Bernard Masa. Their participation helped ensure transparency, proper documentation, and adherence to the prescribed disposal procedures.

The activity was conducted in full compliance with Republic Act No. 9470, or the National Archives of the Philippines Act of 2007, and followed the prescribed procedures under NAP General Circular No. 2, series of 2009.

The activity forms part of PCAF’s continuing efforts to strengthen its records management system by ensuring that vital and historically significant documents are properly preserved while obsolete records are disposed of responsibly.

Beyond regulatory compliance, the initiative also promotes efficient use of office resources and environmental responsibility through the sustainable disposal of valueless records. | Jane Briña

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Held in Nueva Vizcaya—a strategic trading hub hosting the Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal (NVAT)—the consultation gathered more than 80 agricultural stakeholders, composed of farmer leaders, municipal agriculturists, Provincial Local Government Units (PLGUs), research institutions, civil society organizations, and national agency representatives to address pressing supply chain bottlenecks, validate industry issues, and inform the updating of the Philippine Lowland Vegetable Industry Roadmap.

Challenges and Priorities for the Vegetable Industry

The multi-stakeholder dialogue opened with key government officials reaffirming their commitment to institutionalizing participatory governance across the high-value crop sector. Representing DA-Regional Executive Director Dr. Rose Mary Aquino, DA-RFO II Regional Technical Director Ms. Kay Olivas welcomed participants and noted that while Region II remains a top vegetable producer, it faces persistent weather disruptions, price volatility, and agricultural smuggling.

In a recorded message, DA Undersecretary for High Value Crops Ms. Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero further highlighted the importance of aligning research, production, and extension services to safeguard farmgate earnings and national food security.

Providing the regional and national landscape, presentations from Engr. Regine Patiño-Medina of the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), Ms. Carol Albay, Deputy Operations Head of DA-RFO II HVCDP, and Mr. Arjie Baquiran of DA-RFO II Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) outlined supply realities and strategic shifts. Despite Region II achieving a high self-sufficiency rate in lowland vegetables, uncoordinated harvesting and logistics bottlenecks still trigger localized gluts at trading hubs.

To mitigate postharvest losses, DA-RFO II highlighted a strategic budget realignment prioritizing postharvest infrastructure, farmer training and capacity building, and irrigation over simple seed distribution. Presenters also advocated for digital price monitoring, synchronized inter-regional planting calendars, protected cultivation systems, and expanding the Sagip Saka Act to link producers directly with institutional buyers.

 Technical Interventions, Policy Advocacy, and Gender Integration

The consultation highlighted research-backed innovations, upskilling initiatives, and policy resolutions aimed at extending crop shelf-life and empowering farm communities:

• Postharvest & Extension Interventions: Mia Dela Cruz of the DA-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) presented solutions managing respiration to delay senescence, while Mr. Jhimcelle Salvador of the DA-Agricultural Training Institute (ATI-RTC II) detailed capacity-building initiatives, including Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training and Farmers Field Schools.
• Roadmap Updating Workshops: Led by GIZ Consultants Dr. Edna Aguilar and Dr. Julieta Delos Reyes, participants reviewed value chain maps and SWOT assessments to ensure smallholder farmers remain central to national supply reliability and quality strategies.
• Gender & Policy Resolutions: Sheila Marie Orpilla, DA-RFO II Gender and Development Focal Person, presented the GAD policy resolutions related to high-value crops. These included recommending NVAT to prioritize locally produced tomatoes during peak seasons to prevent price collapses, institutionalizing Pinggang Pinoy guidelines prioritizing local produce, empowering women-led farmer organizations under the Gulayan sa Bayan program, and expanding RSBSA land registry access for smallholders.

Field Visit and Stakeholder Engagement Outcomes

The activity concluded with an exploratory visit to NVAT, one of Northern Luzon’s major agricultural trading hubs. Participants gained firsthand insights into the terminal’s trading operations, commodity flows, and marketing systems, while discussing infrastructure improvements and market interventions needed to further strengthen its role in connecting farmers to markets and improving supply chain efficiency.

In her recorded closing message, PCAF Executive Director Ms. Bernadette De Los Santos affirmed that the policy recommendations, field assessments, and strategic resolutions generated during the consultation will be formally submitted to the DA Central Office and the National Sectoral Committee on Fruits and Vegetables (NSC-FV) for policy formulation and program funding.

These inputs will also contribute to the ongoing updating of the Philippine Lowland Vegetable Industry Roadmap, ensuring that the strategies and interventions reflected in the roadmap are grounded in the experiences and priorities of stakeholders across the value chain.

By bringing together key actors from across the vegetable industry, the activity reaffirmed the value of participatory policymaking and multi-stakeholder collaboration in developing responsive programs and long-term strategies that will strengthen the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of the Philippine lowland vegetable sector. | Glyza Quejado

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The şÚÁĎÍř, the implementing unit of the Constructors’ Performance Evaluation System (CPES), convened stakeholders for the CPES Midyear  Performance Review from July 29–31, 2026, in Tanza, Cavite, to assess the system’s implementation, address operational challenges, and reinforce its role in promoting transparency, accountability, and quality assurance in Department of Agriculture (DA) infrastructure projects.

Over the three days, participants took stock of how CPES implementation was progressing across the Department, flagged areas that still needed work, and mapped out strategies for the rest of FY 2026. Discussions underscored the role of CPES in improving constructor performance, safeguarding government investments, and ensuring that DA infrastructure projects meet established quality standards. 

In her recorded message, Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos emphasized that, amid heightened public scrutiny of government infrastructure projects, the role of CPES has become increasingly important in promoting transparency, strengthening public trust, and ensuring the responsible use of government resources. She also stressed that evaluations must remain objective, credible, evidence-based, and free from bias.

Engineer Peachie B. Melendez of the Policy Development and Coordination Division–Agricultural Fisheries Mechanization and Infrastructure Support Section (PDCD-AFMISS) opened the technical sessions by presenting the rationale and updates on CPES implementation across the Department. She reported that during the first semester of FY 2026,  65 CPES evaluations covering 58 infrastructure projects were implemented by 14 offices, with 52 constructors assessed across three project categories. The presentation also highlighted key accomplishments and implementation updates that demonstrate the Department’s continued commitment to institutionalizing performance-based constructors evaluation.

A major highlight of the review was the presentation of draft guidelines that require the submission of CPES ratings as part of the post-bidding requirements. PCAF CPES Focal Person Engr. Niña Mae Talaro presented the proposed policy and generated active discussions among participants, who agreed to further refine the guidelines to strengthen the integration of CPES into the procurement process while ensuring consistency with Republic Act No. 12009 and existing government procurement policies.

Participants also discussed operational issues encountered during implementation and proposed measures to improve the system. Among the recommendations were clarifying documentary requirements, strengthening the implementation of the Assessment of Corrective Action Plan (ACAP), and establishing appropriate transition measures and sanctions for constructors with poor performance. These recommendations aim to further enhance the effectiveness and credibility of the CPES as a performance management tool.

To chart the direction of CPES implementation for the remainder of FY 2026, Engr. Evander de Guzman facilitated the review sessions and workshop on implementation strategies and the way forward. He also presented updates on infrastructure project implementation and schedule of the CPES activities for this year. 

In his closing message, read by Engr. Melendez, “The institutionalization of CPES is not the responsibility of one office alone. It is a shared undertaking that requires the continued dedication, professionalism, and integrity of everyone involved.”, Officer-in-Charge Deputy Executive Director Cyril Soliaban said.

The activity concluded with the recognition of outstanding Constructors’ Performance Evaluators (CPEs) from various implementing offices and high-performing constructors through the awarding of certificates. The recognition highlighted the vital role of evaluators and project implementers in upholding construction quality and reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to strengthening the CPES as a key mechanism for ensuring quality infrastructure delivery, enhancing constructors accountability, and fostering transparency in public infrastructure development.

Through an awarding ceremony, PCAF recognized the outstanding contributions of CPEs and DA Implementing Offices to the CPES Program for the First Semester of 2026, along with the outstanding constructor. Tokens of appreciation were awarded to the following awardees: 

• DA-RFO III – Premier CPES Champion Award and Ace of Initiative Award
• DA-RFO XII – Ultimate Contributor
• Engr. Ed Jay Espinosa – Outstanding CPE
• Engr. Jeshiah Mercado – Outstanding Team Leader and Driver of Success Award
• Engr. Arjean Morales – Driver of Success Award
• Cabandon Construction – Outstanding Constructor

The selection of top performers was based on established CPES criteria. Constructors were recognized for projects that received a final CPES rating outstanding or very satisfactory.  Implementing offices were selected based on the highest number of CPES-evaluated projects and deployed evaluators, while evaluators were recognized for completing the highest number of project evaluations during the assessment period. | Jane Briña

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TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte — Low productivity, climate risk, and costly inputs continue to weigh on the country’s corn and feed crop farmers — concerns that took center stage as national and regional stakeholders met here July 28-30 for a three-day policy dialogue.

The gathering, convened by PCAF’s Policy Development and Coordination Division, brought together the National Sectoral Committee on Corn and Feed Crops (NSC-CFC) and the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) VIII. Representatives from national government agencies, the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office VIII, the private sector, farmer organizations, and industry stakeholders joined the discussions.

In the welcome remarks delivered on behalf of DA Regional Field Office VIII OIC Regional Executive Director Rodel Macapanas, he stated that the NSC-CFC plays a central role in shaping national policy for the sector by channeling farmers’ concerns into DA programs. “For Eastern Visayas, where corn and cassava are emerging feed crops, NSC-CFC resolutions can be leveraged to push for a regional investment in postharvest facilities and farmer clustering,” Macapanas added, citing the committee’s 2026 agenda focused on resilience, diversification, and expanded support services.

PCAF OIC Deputy Executive Director Cyril Soliaban called for stronger collaboration to tackle the sector’s long-standing problems — low productivity, climate-related risks, rising production costs, limited mechanization, and difficulty accessing profitable markets. He said the solutions needed are ones that are practical, evidence-based, and grounded in local conditions.

The dialogue, held under PCAF’s mandate to promote participatory governance, gave stakeholders a venue to trade insights, weigh in on existing government interventions, and draft policy and program recommendations for the sector. Sessions tackled corn production and postharvest management, research and innovation, market development, value chain improvement, and the role of cooperatives in widening farmers’ access to opportunities. Participants also reviewed government support mechanisms meant to sustain the industry’s growth over the long term.

Among the key recommendations was the push for farmer clustering and cooperatives, which would give farmers better access to farm machinery and government support. Participants also called for wider use of climate-resilient, location-specific production technologies and for expanding local seed production through improved native corn varieties. Sustainable land management came up as well, with crop rotation and balanced soil fertility management flagged as priorities, alongside a push to institutionalize soil testing so fertilizer application can be based on actual site conditions.

The group also pointed to the need for stronger postharvest facilities, new market linkages, and value-adding initiatives that could boost farmers’ incomes and make locally produced corn and cassava more competitive. Other recommendations included beefing up agricultural extension services, holding regular stakeholder consultations, pursuing research and development on value-added corn products, and making sure farm mechanization programs actually match what farmers need and the conditions on the ground.

The dialogue also touched on improving the accuracy of agricultural production data, protecting agricultural lands through better coordination among agencies, cracking down harder on counterfeit and unregistered agricultural inputs, strengthening crop insurance and financing support, and expanding learning exchanges so farmers can pick up successful technologies and best practices from other regions. Participants agreed that all these recommendations would be consolidated into policy resolutions for endorsement to the concerned agencies, with implementation tracked through the NSC-CFC and RAFC VIII.

In his closing remarks, NSC-CFC Chairperson Romualdo Elvira said the three-day meeting drew the NSC closer to the region’s council network — the RAFCs, PAFCs, and MAFCs — and voiced hope that similar dialogues could be replicated in other regions.

The activity closed with a field visit to Department of Agriculture-supported sites in Barangay Crossing, San Isidro, Leyte, and Barangay Busali, Biliran, where participants observed local production initiatives and discussed practices that could be adapted in other areas.

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The National Agricultural and Fisheries Machinery Assemblers, Manufacturers, Importers, Distributors, and Dealers Accreditation and Classification (NAMDAC) Board gathered more than 120 stakeholders from across the country to refine the proposed Revised NAMDAC Guidelines during a hybrid consultation held from July 14 to 16, 2026, in Quezon City.
 

Representatives from the Department of Agriculture (DA) regional field offices, bureaus, attached agencies and corporations, private suppliers, and industry groups discussed key areas, including procurement requirements, supplier classification, evaluation criteria, and implementation procedures. The activity was presided over by NAMDAC Chairperson Rodolfo Tamayo.
 

As the Secretariat of NAMDAC, the Policy Development and Coordination Division – Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization and Infrastructure Support Section (PDCD-AFMISS), under the leadership of Engr. Peachie Melendez, spearheaded the consultation to engage stakeholders in reviewing the proposed Revised NAMDAC Guidelines. The activity provided a venue for participants to share comments, recommendations, and other valuable inputs to further strengthen the guidelines. 
 

A major point of discussion centered on the role of the NAMDAC Certificate of Accreditation (CoA) in government procurement, with emphasis on encouraging suppliers to secure accreditation at the earliest opportunity to prevent delays in procurement activities. 

Stakeholders also recommended harmonizing accreditation processes across DA regional field offices, bureaus, attached agencies and corporations, including alignment with the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE) Permit to Operate (PTO) requirements.

The consultations further addressed supplier classification, with participants calling for updated financial thresholds and policies that allow smaller suppliers to participate in larger projects through partnerships and joint ventures.

Other recommendations focused on improving evaluation criteria, standardizing terminology, recognizing different supplier roles, and ensuring a fair accreditation system for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and fabricators.

The enhanced guidelines are expected to strengthen procurement practices and support the delivery of quality agricultural machinery and equipment to Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.
 

The NAMDAC Secretariat will consolidate the recommendations gathered from all consultations before proceeding with further review, legal evaluation, and presentation during the National Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization (AFMech) Summit.
 

The NAMDAC helps ensure that suppliers and manufacturers of agricultural and fisheries machinery in the Philippines meet established standards, contributing to reliable equipment, better after-sales service, and the modernization of the country’s agriculture and fisheries sectors. The review of its accreditation guidelines underscores the Board’s commitment to ensuring that the updated guidelines are responsive to the needs of the agricultural and fisheries machinery sector while promoting transparency, accountability, and stakeholder participation in the policy development process. | Jane Briña

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