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

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The morning air in Barangay Rogongon carries the scent of earth and medicinal herbs. Here, among the upland fields and the quiet rhythms of Indigenous life, a group of women tend to their gardens — not just as farmers, but as entrepreneurs, as providers, as people who finally have a stake in their own futures. Behind that shift stands one woman who has spent two decades making sure people like them are never forgotten.

At 72, Apipa Cabaro moves through Iligan City’s agricultural landscape with the quiet authority of someone who has earned her place in it. Chairperson of the Highly Urbanized City Agriculture and Fisheries Council (HUCAFC) for nine years, she is equal parts organizer, advocate, and visionary — someone who sees in every barangay not just what is, but what could be.

Roots in the Work

Long before she held the chairperson’s title, Cabaro had already spent nearly two decades in civil society — building networks, raising voices, and learning the particular patience that lasting community work demands. Those years weren’t a prelude to her leadership. They were the foundation of it.

When she stepped into the HUCAFC role, she brought with her something that policy documents rarely capture: a deep, practical understanding of who gets left behind — and why. Her tenure has since been defined by programs that answer that question directly.

Her service earned her a National Volunteers Day award in the “Pillars in Agriculture” category, a recognition that reflects not just her tenure, but the breadth and sincerity of the work beneath it.

One Barangay, One Dream

The idea behind the One Barangay, One Product (OBOP) program is deceptively simple: give every barangay the tools to develop and market its own product. In practice, it is a feat of coordination — weaving together TESDA, the Department of Trade and Industry, MSU-IIT, and the Iligan City People’s Council into a working coalition.

Cabaro serves as Co-Chair of the Technical Working Group that holds all of this together. It is the kind of role that rarely makes headlines, but without it, nothing else moves.

The results speak plainly. At the OBOP Village Expo 2025, 44 barangays stood behind their own products, from charcoal briquettes to upland rice, from biofertilizer initiatives to expanded corn production that now stretches across 1,200 hectares. For many participants, the expo was the first time their community’s work had ever been placed in front of a market — and recognized for its worth.

Among the Women of Rogongon

If there is a program that captures the full spirit of Cabaro’s advocacy, it may be the livelihood initiative she helped build for Indigenous women in Barangay Rogongon. Developed in partnership with the DSWD and local government, the program was designed from the start around two principles that do not always appear together in development work: community ownership and cultural respect.

Today, those women grow organic vegetables, raise native chickens, and cultivate medicinal plants. They are not beneficiaries of a program — they are its stewards.

“It emphasizes shared ownership and long-term sustainability,” Cabaro has said of the initiative. But more than the words, it is the model itself that says something: development that does not center the people it serves tends not to last.

A Longer Table

Across her work, one thread runs constant — the deliberate expansion of who gets a seat.

Cabaro has pushed agri-fishery programs to be more accessible to women, opening pathways to livelihood support, skills training, and enterprise opportunities where they previously didn’t exist. She has worked to bring vegetable gardening into households, making food security a neighborhood-level practice rather than a government promise. She has sat down with educators to bring agri-fishery concepts into elementary classrooms, understanding that sustainable change has to be planted early.

She is also Vice President of both the Iligan City Urban Poor Workers Association, Inc. and the Federation of Senior Citizen Associations of the Philippines, and has been recognized for her work advancing the rights of older persons under Republic Act 9994. The breadth of her affiliations is not a coincidence — it reflects a consistent belief that the margins of one community are often the center of another.

What’s Being Built

The future Cabaro is helping shape for Iligan City is concrete in the most literal sense. Plans are underway for a Halal slaughterhouse, cold storage facilities, and fish processing infrastructure — investments designed to strengthen entire value chains rather than isolated products.

The vision, as she has stated it plainly, is not modest: “My vision is for Iligan City to achieve zero hunger and become a leader in the agriculture and fisheries sector, thriving despite the challenges posed by climate change.”

That ambition is not performative. It is the logical conclusion of the work she has already done — program by program, barangay by barangay, person by person.

Still Cultivating

In Rogongon and across the barangays she has served, the harvests are real. The market stalls are real. The women standing behind their products at the OBOP expo are real.

Apipa Cabaro did not build any of this alone. That, perhaps, is the most important thing about her leadership — she was never trying to. Her work is not about standing at the center of a story but about making sure more people have one worth telling.

At 72, she is still planting. Not just crops, but the slower, harder thing: the conditions under which communities can grow themselves.

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Amid Misamis Oriental’s agricultural communities stands a leader whose dedication to farming and rural empowerment has transformed countless lives. Jaime Balansag, Chairperson of the Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC) in Misamis Oriental and Chairperson of the Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization (AFMECH) Sectoral Committee, continues to play a vital role in advancing agriculture and strengthening grassroots communities across the province.

In these roles, he monitors Department of Agriculture projects, strengthens coordination among stakeholders, and ensures programs deliver real benefits to farmers.

Among his accomplishments in 2025 was the forging of partnerships with the Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives, RAFC X, and Bahay Pag-asa, which collaborated to provide agriculture- and fishery-based livelihood and life-skills training for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) under Balay Kaugma-un. RAFC X provided trainers and technical support, while Bahay Pag-asa and PAFC facilitated training, coordination with partner agencies, and program monitoring and evaluation.

Guided by his belief that farmers are essential to food security, he strongly promotes capacity-building—training farmers in machinery use, crop management, and marketing. He also promotes practical solutions like mixed livestock farming and diversified crops to increase farmers’ income. Beyond economics, he supports social programs, including agricultural training for at-risk youth, showing his belief in farming as a tool for transformation.

His recent recognition as a recipient of the “Champion in Partnership Award” highlights decades of unwavering commitment to collaboration, community development, and people-centered progress—proving that meaningful change begins with leaders who remain deeply rooted in service to their communities.

From his humble beginnings as a lifelong farmer to becoming a respected advocate for inclusive agricultural development, Balansag has consistently championed programs and partnerships that uplift marginalized sectors. His leadership has bridged cooperatives, government agencies, youth institutions, and local organizations, creating sustainable opportunities for farmers and fisherfolk alike.

He also advocates for policy reforms, such as strengthening local agricultural councils and creating positions to support cooperative development. At the same time, he addresses ongoing challenges like the need for certified farm machinery operators and improved agricultural skills.

“Kaming mga magsasaka, dapat alam namin ang lahat ng bagong teknolohiya ng pagsasaka. Kailangan namin ng training ukol sa paggamit ng fertilizer para safe sa pagkain at maibenta ng tama ang aming mga inani.”, he said during the Lakbay Panayam.

Balansag remains active in policymaking, successfully drafting and securing approval for agricultural resolutions. Among the resolutions drafted by the AFC and approved by the governor were the allocation of an area in the farmers’ market for the agriculture and fishery council members to display their agricultural produce and the provision of assistance to the AFC producers to be accredited and included in the display of products for tokens and “pasalubong” at the Negosyo Center in Misamis Oriental. Another initiative was the institutionalization of the farm family concept by empowering rural women and youth through the allocation of funds for their capacity-building activities.

Before entering public service, Balansag spent 23 years working with the Mindanao Cooperative Consolidated Bank, where he helped farmers gain access to loans and better market opportunities. This experience provided him with a deep understanding of the financial and operational challenges farmers face, shaping his practical and solutions-oriented leadership style.

For his continued service to the AFC, Balansag was recognized as one of the “Pillars in Agriculture” during the 2024 National Volunteers’ Day celebration. He continues to work toward a future where farmers are equipped with the skills, resources, and support they need to thrive—reinforcing his enduring commitment to agriculture as the backbone of the nation.

“Kung walang magsasaka, walang kakainin ang mga tao,” he said. | Jane Briña

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Nilda Salas’ story is not just a career chronology; it is a 42-year love letter to Region 10’s agriculture and fishery sector. From her early days as a seed quality analyst in 1979 to her current role as the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) Chairperson, her journey reflects the evolution of the industry itself. A path defined by grit, diplomacy, and an unshakable belief in the power of the soil.

A Career Rooted in Service

Nilda’s agricultural roots were planted long before she took the helm at the RAFC. An agriculture graduate who entered the Department of Agriculture in 1979, she climbed the ladder one rung at a time. She has been an analyst, a technician, and a Senior Agriculturalist, eventually serving as a Center Chief at the Provincial Operations Center (POC). “I went through a lot of layers,” Nilda recalls.

Her transition into the RAFC landscape began in earnest in 2005. For ten years, she served as a coordinator, acting as the vital bridge between the “brave, high-caliber” private sector leaders and the structured world of government bureaucracy. It was during these years that she earned her reputation as a “soft-spoken” but high-patience mediator, a “filter” who could prevent organizational harm while ensuring the voices of the farmers and fisherfolk were heard.

From Retirement to the Frontlines

While most would see retirement as a time to rest, Nilda saw it as a time to volunteer. After retiring in 2021, she didn’t walk away but instead walked right back into her barangay in Gusa, Cagayan de Oro City, to organize and lead the women’s group. “I wanted to know how hard it is to organize,” she says.

Despite decades in high-level positions, she rolled up her sleeves to form a farmers’ association in her local community, focusing on urban agriculture and hydroponics. Her dedication was so evident that by 2023, she was elected as the RAFC Chairperson.

Her leadership style is grounded in being a “leader by example.” She recounts stories of walking eight kilometers through roadless terrain just to see the reality of a farm thirty-two kilometers away from the main hub. “I saw a lot of things were missing,” she notes. This hands-on approach led her to facilitate the construction of a 30-million-peso farm-to-market road project in a remote site in Gusa, Cagayan de Oro City, proving that her “soft” demeanor hides a relentless drive for results.

The Cost of Commitment

Service at this level often comes with a personal price. Nilda speaks candidly about a health scare, a stroke brought on by overwork and the tension of preparing reports for the mid-year assessment. “I didn’t sleep because the next day I had to report. I didn’t know that I was on the computer at night until it was already early morning,” she shares.

Her recovery was a testament to her connection with nature. She chose “exercise therapy” by the coast, using the sea air and physical labor in her communal garden to regain her strength. Even her children, now successful professionals, sometimes ask why she remains so dedicated to the AFC. Her answer is simple: “That is my happiness.”

A Vision for the Future: Devolution and Sustainability

As the agriculture sector faces various challenges such as the Mandanas-Garcia Ruling and the volatility of global fuel prices, Nilda remains a pragmatist. She advocates for the following:
â—Ź Institutionalization of AFCs at the Local Level: Ensuring that AFCs are integrated into the local government units so that their functions, and responsibilities remain stable regardless of political and administrative changes.
â—Ź Diversified Farming: Encouraging “backyard to big farm” transitions for crops like coffee, cassava, and vegetables to reduce dependency on expensive imports.
â—Ź Government Subsidies: Direct support to buffer the impact of rising oil and input costs on small-scale farmers and fisherfolk.

During her tenure as the RAFC Chairperson, she personally exerted effort in promoting the following:
â—Ź Initiated the “Bangko Basura” program for solid waste management.
â—Ź Partnered with World Vision for environmental capacity building.
â—Ź Lobbied for incentives and honorariums for AFC members in provinces like Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.

A Golden Legacy

Today, Nilda spends her time between high-level policy meetings and her “communal garden” near her home, built on land she says is as solid as rock. When asked if she still has dreams for the AFC, her eyes light up. “While we are still alive, we are able to remember what we did. My life in agriculture is really a farmer’s life. Until we die, we will be there.”

Nilda Salas has spent four decades planting seeds. Some are planted in the ground, and many more in the hearts of the people she leads. As Region 10’s “Mother Earth,” she continues to prove that the most enduring harvests are those grown with patience, neutrality, and a lifelong love for the agri-fishery who feeds the nation.| Junry Danila

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Across the country’s regions, farmer leaders stepped into a historic role this May as they formally assumed leadership positions in the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the 2026 Farmer Regional Executive Director (FRED) Program. The installation and turnover ceremonies held on May 4 marked the start of a month-long immersion of farmer representatives in regional governance, reinforcing the continuing push for participatory and inclusive development in the agriculture and fisheries sector.

Now in its ninth year, the FRED Program remains a flagship initiative of the DA that strengthens public-private collaboration by integrating farmer leaders into regional leadership functions. Through the program, Farmer Regional Executive Directors are given direct exposure to governance processes, enabling them to contribute to planning, policy discussions, and program implementation grounded on their lived experiences in agriculture and fisheries.

PCAF Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos joined fellow leaders and stakeholders at the national kickoff ceremony of the National Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month celebration at the DA Central Office, where she underscored the importance of participatory governance in building a more responsive and inclusive agriculture sector. She highlighted the FRED Program as a key mechanism that operationalizes the şÚÁĎÍř’ (PCAF) mandate of institutionalizing stakeholder participation in agricultural policymaking.

“The FRED Program offers a unique opportunity for farmer and fisherfolk leaders to step inside the system and engage directly in governance,” De Los Santos said. “It bridges the gap between policy and the realities on the ground, ensuring that programs are more attuned to the needs of the communities they serve.”

Launched in 2017 during the annual Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month celebration, the program designates Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) Chairpersons as Acting Regional Executive Directors of DA Regional Field Offices for the month of May. This mechanism provides farmer and fisherfolk leaders with the opportunity to take on key leadership roles within the bureaucracy, offering them direct exposure to government systems, processes, and decision-making structures while bringing grassroots perspectives into regional planning and implementation.

Beyond symbolism, Farmer-Directors serve as active partners in governance during their tenure. They participate in management and coordination meetings, help review and prioritize programs and projects, engage in consultations with stakeholders, and provide oversight and feedback on agricultural and fisheries initiatives. They also act as vital links between the DA and farming and fishing communities, helping communicate government programs while elevating sectoral concerns and recommendations.

As the advisory and consultative body of the DA, PCAF plays a central role in advancing participatory governance by facilitating multi-stakeholder engagement in the formulation, review, and monitoring of agricultural and fisheries policies and programs. The FRED Program aligns closely with this mandate by providing a structured platform for grassroots leaders to engage directly in governance at the regional level, thereby strengthening transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in the sector.

De Los Santos, a former Farmer-Director in Bicol, shared how the program fosters a deeper appreciation of governance and reinforces grounded leadership. Her experience transitioning from the field to decision-making spaces highlighted the importance of ensuring that policies are informed by real-world conditions.

The program also strengthens partnerships with Local Government Units (LGUs), whose support is vital in sustaining Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC) initiatives and translating programs into tangible community benefits. Across regions, the installation and turnover ceremonies reflect a sustained commitment to strengthening farmer representation in governance and advancing inclusive development processes nationwide.

PCAF expresses its appreciation to all DA Regional Field Offices and partner stakeholders for their support in the successful implementation of the FRED Program.

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The Department of Agriculture (DA) has approved Memorandum Circular No. 4, Series of 2026, establishing guidelines for assessing and prioritizing Philippine National Standards (PNS) proposals for agricultural and fisheries mechanization. Signed on February 2, 2026, by Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., the Guidelines on the Assessment Process and Prioritization Criteria of Philippine National Standards (PNS) Proposals Related to Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization addresses long-standing challenges in prioritizing mechanization-related standards.

Meetings of the şÚÁĎÍř – National Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization (CAFMech) highlighted the absence of a standardized assessment process, causing delays in developing, updating, and revising critical machinery standards.

The new circular introduces a structured, transparent framework that ensures PNS proposals align with sectoral needs and national development priorities. Developed through workshops and consultations led by a Technical Working Group under Special Order No. 1421, Series of 2025, the framework is evidence-based, objective, and responsive to industry needs.

CAFMech Resolution No. 23, Series of 2025, adopted on December 19, 2025, underscores the importance of mechanization in boosting productivity, reducing costs, improving efficiency, and enhancing sector competitiveness. The circular institutionalizes a systematic review process for the development, amendment, or revision of mechanization-related PNS, strengthening nationwide mechanization programs and policies.

Agencies are now directed to apply the prioritization criteria when submitting and evaluating PNS proposals. The circular includes annexes detailing the prioritization process, TWG protocols, criteria for machinery standards, and a list of DA priority machinery based on procurement volume.

Through this measure, the DA aims to ensure that mechanization standards are developed in a timely, transparent, and strategic manner, supporting the continued modernization of Philippine agriculture and fisheries.

DA Memorandum Circular No. 4, Series of 2026 can be accessed here: | by Bernard Masa, based on content from the Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization and Infrastructure Support Section (AFMISS) 

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The PCAFD is envisioned to improve multisectoral coordination, not only within the Department of Agriculture (DA) but also with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). It aims to bridge policy formulation and implementation by grounding programs in stakeholder inputs and field realities.

During the consultation, Ernesto Ordonez of Alyansa Agrikultura pointed out that the proposal was initiated by PCAF Chief Executive Officer and DA Undersecretary Philip C. Young. He further emphasized that the measure does not separate from PCAF but rather expands its mandate—from a purely consultative role to a more development-oriented function. He also underscored that pilot testing must be coordinated with the DA and implementing agencies to avoid duplication, and that the proposal for two Deputy Executive Directors should be clearly justified.

Stakeholders generally expressed support for the bill, while raising concerns on mandate clarity, research functions, pilot testing, and potential overlap with agencies, such as: the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC). Benedicto Alves of the Davao Regional Integrated Mango Agribusiness Council (DRIMACO) highlighted the importance of a scientific validation and industry analysis before pilot implementation to ensure sound policy decisions.

In response, PCAF Officer-in-Charge Deputy Executive Director Cyril Soliaban explained that the draft bill includes criteria for pilot testing and scaling, and establishes a Technical Review Committee, which will be detailed in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). Research, when necessary, may be commissioned to appropriate agencies, focusing on research for development (R4D) rather than duplicating academic mandates. He also stressed that PCAFD’s role will remain primarily coordinative and facilitative, consistent with existing laws, such as: the Sagip Saka Act.

The discussion also covered institutional capacity, funding, and governance mechanisms. Initial funding of Php 50 million is proposed for the first year, with succeeding budgets tied to a percentage of the PCAF allocation. Soliaban noted that pilot projects would require coordination and possible resource-sharing with implementing agencies. Provisions on monitoring, evaluation, and scaling frameworks are included to track implementation, lessons learned, and policy impact, while updates on policy resolutions are currently being consolidated and published on the PCAF website.

Stakeholders also emphasized the need for stronger civil society participation, full value-chain representation—including processors and exporters—market-linked and data-driven programs, and enhanced information dissemination at regional levels. There was broad agreement that the strengthened body should serve as an inclusive convergence platform linking farmers, processors, markets, and government institutions.

The consultation concluded with stakeholders expressing strong support for institutionalizing PCAF through legislation. The next steps include inter-agency calibration, refinement of the draft bill, presentation to the relevant Committee, securing endorsement from the Secretary of Agriculture, and formal submission to Congress for deliberation.| Jane Briña

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Private sector representatives, composed of the National Sectoral Committees (NSCs) and Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) Chairpersons and civil society leaders raised that the presentations often fail to reflect farmers’ actual conditions, as they focus on aggregate indicators rather than farmgate prices, production costs, and value chain distortions. It was emphasized that future presentations should start from the producers’ perspective and use clear, grounded language to avoid obscuring realities and further frustrating farmers.

Several council members stressed the need for clearer data presentation and stronger policy analysis. It was noted that despite reports seemingly showing positive performance, farmers’ sentiments indicate otherwise, citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority that 2025 agricultural output remains below the 2023 levels. The need to review current strategies, assess what has worked and what has not, and identify priority improvements moving forward was emphasized.

Also, NAF Council members underscored the adverse impact of reduced tariffs on major agri-fishery commodities like rice, corn, pork, and chicken on local industries. They called for the immediate reinstatement of the original tariff rates and expressed the private sector’s support for any Department of Agriculture’s (DA) initiative to restore stronger tariff protection, emphasizing the urgency of safeguarding farmers’ welfare.

In response, DA Undersecretary (USec) for Rice Industry Development Engr. Christopher Morales explained that while government interventions have improved yields, declining farmgate prices often offset productivity gains. He underscored the importance of managing supply and demand, noting that unrestricted imports continue to depress local prices. He added that DA is pursuing measures through the development of a new Rice Bill with the aim of managing import volumes and supporting price stability, among others.

Additionally, USec for Policy, Planning, and Regulations Atty. Asis Perez acknowledged the private sector’s support for restoring the original tariff rates for selected major agri-fishery commodities but clarified that the decision on the matter rests beyond the DA’s authority. He emphasized that improving farmer income requires a comprehensive approach, integrating import rationalization, productivity enhancement, and income-raising measures, as embodied in the proposed Rice Bill.

Then, issues on extension services and program implementation were raised and sought assurance that farm machinery distribution effectively meets farmers’ needs. On the regulation of online A&F related webinars, Agricultural Training Institute Director Engr. Remelyn Recoter clarified that the DA can only regulate accredited A&F extension providers, though policy reviews can be done to determine appropriate strategies that may help address the issue.

Budget utilization and program targeting were featured prominently in the discussion. Questions were raised on the unutilized funds, fertilizer subsidy coverage, and the need for stronger participatory monitoring. USec Perez affirmed the Department’s commitment to transparency and acknowledged that significant room for improvement remains, particularly in targeting and follow-through activities.

Emerging and cross-cutting issues were likewise highlighted, including inflation, food affordability, health risks from pesticide use, irrigation sustainability, dairy development, fisheries infrastructure, and coffee self-sufficiency. DA officials present during the meeting provided clarifications and committed to further reviews, policy refinement, and inter-agency coordination if necessary.

Representing DA Secretary and the presiding officer, USec for Operations, Agri-Fisheries Mechanization, and Rural Credit Engr. Roger Navarro emphasized the importance of collaboration between government and private stakeholders, noting recent improvements in mapping, network reporting, and monitoring systems. He reiterated the DA’s receptiveness to recommendations and the vital role of the NAF Council as a consultative platform.

Among the major highlights of the discussion was the recommendation by NSC and RAFC Chairpersons to increase PCAF’s budget for both stakeholder engagement and participatory monitoring activities, ensuring that private sector representatives can fully participate and contribute to program implementation. USec. Navarro noted that the DA can also facilitate regional engagement, and stakeholders may request coordination with regional offices for support as needed. USec Perez added that the DA will review the proposal and increase the budget accordingly, assessing the feasible allocation to maximize impact.

The open forum concluded with a renewed call for stronger monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and accountability, as the Council underscored the need to ensure that policies, budgets, and programs translate into tangible benefits for farmers, fishers, and the general public. | Junry Danila

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The şÚÁĎÍř reaffirmed its commitment to building a strong and capable workforce as it formally welcomed two newly promoted officials during an oath taking ceremony held on February 9, 2026, in Quezon City.

PCAF Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos administered the oath of office to Catherine Viray and Maria Belen Milanes, marking their assumption of higher leadership roles within the agency. Viray was promoted to Development Management Officer (DMO) V and will lead the Partnership Development Division (PDD), while Milanes advanced to DMO IV and will serve under the Policy Development and Coordination Division (PDCD).

As head of the PDD, Viray will spearhead initiatives to mobilize volunteers and stakeholders in support of agriculture and fisheries modernization. Her division’s responsibilities include broadening stakeholder engagement to ensure diverse and meaningful representation in policy-making; building cross-sector partnerships to raise public awareness and enhance service delivery; strengthen community participation; and providing capacity-building and local-level technical and administrative support to consultative bodies.

Meanwhile, Milanes will serve as Assistant Division Chief in the Policy Development and Coordination Division (PDCD). Her division is responsible for providing technical leadership and policy support to national-level stakeholders, as well as analyzing agricultural and fisheries policies and directives to address emerging issues and future sectoral challenges. It also coordinates strategic research and policy studies, generates evidence-based inputs for consultations. In this role, Milanes will help oversee the implementation of key regulatory and evaluation systems, including the Constructors Performance Evaluation System (CPES) and the National Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers, Distributors, and Dealers Accreditation and Classification (NAMDAC).

The ceremony was witnessed by OIC–Deputy Executive Director Cyril Soliaban, PDCD Chief Sarah Bales, OIC–Administrative and Financial Management Division Chief Marisa Lo, and Human Resource and Development Section Chief Braulio Castro. Also present was MIMAROPA Regional Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFC) Chairperson Alfonso J. Esguerra Jr., who paid a courtesy visit to PCAF. | Jane Briña

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Spearheaded by the şÚÁĎÍř through its National Committee on Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization (CAFMech) and the Policy Development Coordination Division–Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization and Infrastructure Support Section (AFMISS), the four-day Summit provided a platform to align policies, review program performance, and identify priority interventions for a more modern and climate-resilient agri-fisheries sector.

With the theme “Advancing Mechanization, Irrigation and Drainage Systems, and Infrastructure for a Resilient and Modern Agriculture and Fisheries Sector,” the event tackled persistent challenges such as low mechanization adoption, climate vulnerability, and gaps in rural infrastructure.

PCAF Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos emphasized during her welcome message that this gathering “brings together the country’s leading institutions, innovators, practitioners, and advocates to collectively assess the current landscape of agricultural and fisheries mechanization, irrigation and drainage systems management, and agri-fisheries infrastructure development.”

In his keynote message, Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary for Operations and Agri-Fisheries Mechanization Engr. Roger Navarro underscored the urgency of boosting mechanization and modern infrastructure to strengthen food security and improve farmers’ and fisherfolk’s productivity.

He emphasized that mechanization, irrigation and drainage development, and strategic facilities are “foundational investments” to ensure a competitive and future-ready food system. Aligning with the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 and the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., he also highlighted accomplishments under the AFMech Law, RCEF Mechanization Program, and the National Irrigation Program, while acknowledging the need to address fragmented logistics and low technology adoption.

“Let this Summit be a catalyst for coordinated action. Together, let us build a modern Philippine agriculture that is resilient, competitive, and ready for the future,” Navarro said.

Participants of the Summit included representatives from various DA Bureaus and Attached Agencies, DA Regional Field Offices, local government units, the academe, private sector suppliers, farmers’ and fishers’ cooperatives and associations, and irrigators’ associations.

Discussions centered on the three thematic areas that include agricultural and fisheries machinery and equipment, irrigation and drainage systems, and agricultural and fisheries infrastructure.

Key presentations from BAFE, AMTEC, PhilMech, NIA, BSWM, BFAR, HVCDP, NLP, and other institutions highlighted policy and regulatory updates, program performance and gaps, climate-resilient technologies, and best practices across the agri-fisheries value chain.

The Summit concluded with the drafting of consolidated policy resolutions and priority action points that will be submitted to DA and other relevant agencies for consideration, contributing to stronger inter-agency collaboration and evidence-based policymaking.

During his closing message, CAFMech Chairperson Rodolfo Tamayo thanked the PCAF-AFMISS Team and reaffirmed the government’s continuing commitment to modernize Philippine agriculture and fisheries. He added that the Summit served as a platform for farmers and fisherfolk to gain access to available technologies, infrastructure, and systems that support higher productivity and resilience amid evolving climate and market challenges.

Text and photos by Junry Danila

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