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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recommendations and key agreements

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

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

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

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

PMT results and action plans

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

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

Issues identified were categorized by severity:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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