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

The post NSC-PL, AFC Region 4B pushes stronger biosecurity, swine repopulation, market support appeared first on ������.

The ������ 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

The post PCAF conducts  disposal of valueless records in compliance with NAP Standards appeared first on ������.

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

The post National, regional stakeholders meet in Nueva Vizcaya to address challenges in lowland vegetable industry appeared first on ������.

The ������, 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

The post PCAF reviews CPES midyear  implementation, advances procurement reforms  appeared first on ������.

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.

The post NSC-CFC, RAFC VIII dialogue in Tacloban yields recommendations to strengthen corn sector appeared first on ������.

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

The post NAMDAC gathers nationwide input to finalize revised accreditation guidelines appeared first on ������.

As part of its continuing efforts to strengthen its workforce, the ������ formally welcomed three employees to their new positions during an oath-taking ceremony held on July 8, 2026, at the PCAF Office in Quezon City.

PCAF Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos administered the oath of office to Alvin Racho, Fraulein Claire Ronquillo, and Ariadne Marie Daquioag, marking the start of their new responsibilities within the agency. Racho was promoted to Development Management Officer (DMO) IV, while Ronquillo and Daquioag assumed the positions of Development Management Officer (DMO) II under the Partnership Development Division (PDD).

As Assistant Division Chief of the PDD, Racho will help lead initiatives to mobilize volunteers and strengthen partnerships in support of agriculture and fisheries modernization. He will also help expand stakeholder engagement to ensure inclusive and meaningful participation in policy development, foster cross-sector collaboration to enhance public awareness and service delivery, strengthen community participation, and provide technical and administrative support to consultative bodies at the regional and local levels.

Meanwhile, Ronquillo will serve under the Volunteer Management Section, where she will support initiatives to strengthen volunteer engagement and stakeholder participation. Her responsibilities include assisting in volunteer recruitment and retention, maintaining partner databases, supporting volunteer recognition programs, and monitoring the performance of Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFCs), National Sectoral Committees (NSCs), and other volunteer partners.

Previously serving as a Contract of Service personnel, Daquioag has been appointed to the Social Mobilization Section. In her new role, she will provide technical and secretariat support to the AFCs, facilitate stakeholder consultations, and assist in the development, endorsement, and monitoring of policy recommendations to strengthen participatory governance in the agriculture and fisheries sector.

The oath-taking ceremony was witnessed by Officer-in-Charge Deputy Executive Director Cyril Soliaban, Partnership Development Division Chief Catherine Viray, Administrative, Financial and Management Division Chief Marisa Lo, and Human Resource Development Section Officer-in-Charge Jeffrey Lozada. | Jane Briña

The post PCAF welcomes newly promoted employees in Oath-Taking Ceremony appeared first on ������.

The ������ is undertaking its first fully agency-led evaluative study through the conduct of a nationwide assessment on dairy feed management, marking a significant milestone in the agency’s research and policy development initiatives for the agriculture sector.

With technical assistance from the National Dairy Authority (NDA), PCAF is directly implementing the study—from data gathering and analysis to report writing and completion of the assessment—reflecting the agency’s growing role in generating evidence-based inputs for policy and program development in the dairy industry.

“This is the first time PCAF will fully implement an evaluative study,” shared John Errasmus Mari Montiano, technical staff of the Project Development Section under the Planning, Monitoring, and Knowledge Management Division, and one of the study’s field researchers. “This differs from previous commissioned studies, in which PCAF only assisted with data gathering. This time, PCAF, with technical assistance from the National Dairy Authority, will fully conduct the study—from data gathering and data analysis to report writing and completion of the study.”

Assessing Dairy Feed Management Practices

The study seeks to assess current feeding practices, feed resources, and feed-related challenges encountered by dairy farmers and stakeholders across selected dairy-producing areas in the country. It also aims to generate baseline information and policy recommendations that can support interventions to improve dairy productivity, animal nutrition, and farm sustainability.

As part of the field activities, the PCAF study team has been conducting site visits, interviews, field observations, and validation activities with dairy farmers, cooperatives, associations, feed suppliers, technicians, and local government representatives.

The first leg of the data gathering activities was conducted in February 2026, serving as the initial phase of field validation and data collection for the study.

The second leg of field data gathering began from May 11–15, 2026, covering dairy farms and organizations in Batangas, Quezon, and Bukidnon. This was followed by a continuation of field activities in Iloilo from May 25–28, 2026, where the study team conducted additional data collection and verification activities among dairy stakeholders.

Across these field sites, the researchers gathered information on feed availability and accessibility, forage production systems, feed formulation practices, seasonal feed supply challenges, production costs, and the use of alternative or locally available feed materials. Field observations likewise documented the realities faced by dairy stakeholders, including rising commercial feed costs, climate-related effects on forage availability, and the need for strengthened technical support and research-driven feed innovations.

Capacity Building Prior to Field Activities

Prior to the conduct of field activities, members of the data gathering team underwent an intensive three-day training program on Body Condition Scoring (BCS) and forage identification to help ensure the accuracy and consistency of field assessments and data collection procedures.

The training covered the principles and application of BCS for dairy cattle and buffaloes, as well as hands-on identification of key forage resources, including grasses, legumes, and crop residues. With these strengthened capabilities, PCAF personnel are set to apply standardized evaluation methods as field assessments continue nationwide.

Laboratory Analysis of Feed Samples

Feed samples collected during the activities are being subjected to laboratory analysis to evaluate the nutritional quality of local feed resources, including their protein, energy, and fiber content. The results will be compared with commercially available feeds to help determine the effectiveness of local feed ingredients for dairy nutrition.

The laboratory analyses are also expected to support the prediction of animal performance indicators such as growth rate, feed conversion efficiency, and reproductive performance based on the nutritional values obtained from the feed samples.

Longitudinal Approach Across Climatic Periods

According to Montiano, the study adopts a longitudinal panel approach in which the same group of farms will be observed across different climatic periods to capture seasonal variations affecting dairy feed management and animal performance.

The approach covers the cold-dry season from December to February, the hot-dry season from March to May, when heat stress and feed scarcity are more pronounced, and the wet season from June to November, which is characterized by rapid forage growth but also management challenges due to excessive moisture and declining forage quality.

Through this repeated-measures design, the study aims to determine how seasonal changes in forage availability, biomass, and environmental conditions influence milk production, animal body condition, and overall farm performance.

Continuing Field Activities

The next round of field activities is tentatively scheduled in August 2026 and will involve revisiting the same dairy farms and organizations previously covered during earlier rounds of fieldwork. This follow-up phase aims to document possible changes in feed conditions, management practices, and production-related concerns across different periods.

Supporting Evidence-Based Dairy Policies

The evaluative study aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the agriculture and fisheries sector through participatory and evidence-based approaches involving government agencies, industry stakeholders, farmer organizations, and the private sector. By engaging directly with dairy farmers and industry players, the study reinforces the importance of grounded field data in developing responsive and practical policy recommendations for the dairy sector.

PCAF emphasized that the study reflects the agency’s commitment to supporting informed decision-making and promoting responsive policies for the dairy sector. The agency also acknowledged the cooperation and participation of partner institutions, LGUs, dairy cooperatives, and farmers who contributed valuable information and insights throughout the field activities.

The consolidated findings and recommendations from the study are expected to support future initiatives aimed at improving feed systems, enhancing dairy farm productivity, and strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of the Philippine dairy industry. | Bernard Masa

The post PCAF conducts first agency-led evaluative study on dairy feed management appeared first on ������.

The ������, through its Partnership Development Division – Capacity Development Section (PDD-CDS), has launched a series of Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation (PM&E) Trainings designed to build the capacity of Consultative Body (CB) members in effectively tracking and assessing agriculture and fisheries programs nationwide.

The inaugural batch of the PM&E Training Series was successfully conducted from May 25 to 29, 2026 in Batangas City, gathering participants from the MIMAROPA Region. Attendees included Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC) officers and members, AFC secretariat-coordinators, and staff from the Planning, Monitoring and Knowledge Management Division – Monitoring and Evaluation Section (PMKMD-MES) who have yet to undergo the training.

The five-day residential training immersed participants in key principles and methodologies of participatory monitoring and evaluation, with sessions balancing theoretical grounding and hands-on application.

The curriculum was designed to equip Participatory Monitoring and Tracking Team (PMT) members with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to effectively carry out their monitoring and evaluation responsibilities. Key topics include:

• Participatory development concepts and principles
• Participatory monitoring and evaluation frameworks
• M&E tools, data collection methods, and analysis
• Interpretation and use of results for policy improvement
• Monitoring market linkage initiatives and supply chains
• Assessing market access outcomes and procurement engagements
• Evaluating enterprise performance under Sagip Saka
• Developing monitoring plans and analyzing gathered data

Participants also engaged in hands-on case study workshops, specifically designed to strengthen their capacity to develop monitoring plans, conduct monitoring activities, and translate data into actionable insights for improving programs and policies in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. The skills gained from the training are expected to support the monitoring of farm machinery projects, market linkage initiatives, Sagip Saka implementation, and other DA-supported agriculture and fisheries interventions in their respective areas. 

To ensure the quality and practical relevance of the training, the PDD-CDS engaged four learning partners from the University of the Philippines Diliman, drawing on their expertise in participatory processes and government program evaluation. Their prior engagements with PCAF and its Consultative Bodies contributed to the development of a comprehensive and responsive training module, ensuring alignment with the key principles and methodologies of PM&E and the practical realities of CB work in the field.

Following the successful completion of the first batch, three more training sessions are scheduled throughout 2026, reaching participants from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Western Visayas, and CALABARZON.

Each batch accommodates approximately 35 participants, prioritizing members of the Participatory Monitoring and Tracking Teams as designated through Special Orders issued by the PMKMD-MES, or as identified by the concerned Regional Agricultural and Fishery Councils (RAFCs).

The PM&E training series reflects PCAF’s commitment to fostering a culture of participatory governance within the agriculture and fisheries sectors. By equipping CBs with practical M&E skills, the program seeks to support more effective implementation of DA programs, improved resource allocation, and stronger linkages between farmers, fisherfolk, and institutional buyers.

Ultimately, the initiative is expected to contribute to the development of more responsive policies, strengthened market-oriented interventions, and more accountable programs — all anchored on the voices and participation of stakeholders at the grassroots level. | Bernard Masa

The post Building monitoring capacities: AFC members trained on participatory M&E under the Sagip Saka framework appeared first on ������.

For its 2nd quarter regular meeting on May 20, 2026, the National Sectoral Committee on Poultry and Livestock (NSC-PL) adopted key resolutions to protect the local livestock and poultry industry, strengthen animal disease control, expand veterinary services, and increase support for rabies prevention.

Presided over by NSC-PL Chairperson Arnulfo Frontuna, the meeting gathered over 65 representatives from government agencies, industry groups, and research institutions to address pressing concerns, including African Swine Fever (ASF), Avian Influenza, Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), and rabies.

The Committee expressed concern over plans to lower tariffs on pork and chicken imports under the ongoing Philippines–European Union Free Trade Agreement (PH-EU FTA) negotiations, citing possible risks to the recovery and competitiveness of the local livestock and poultry industry. In response, it adopted a resolution urging the Department of Agriculture (DA) to oppose any further tariff reduction proposals.

The Committee also proposed increasing the Bureau of Animal Industry’s (BAI) 2027 budget for rabies vaccine procurement to ensure adequate coverage, sustain nationwide rabies control efforts, and meet growing immunization needs to protect animal and public health. 

In support of this initiative, the committee is proposing a Php 160 million allocation for the procurement of rabies vaccines and anesthetic drugs for distribution to LGUs.

To strengthen local animal health services, the Committee also recommended that the DA and DILG encourage Local Government Units (LGUs), particularly first-class municipalities, to designate or appoint licensed veterinarians in accordance with existing laws and issuances governing veterinary services and animal health management.

Likewise, the DILG is recommended to encourage Local Government Units (LGUs) to conduct animal population surveys to support effective planning and implementation of local and national vaccination, disease prevention, and animal health programs. 

Chairperson Frontuna also urged the Department Legislative Liaison Office (DLLO) to facilitate the participation of private sector representatives in congressional deliberations on key livestock and poultry measures to ensure meaningful stakeholder input and informed policy formulation.| Jane Briña

The post NSC-PL adopts resolutions boosting livestock and poultry protection, rabies control, and veterinary services appeared first on ������.