Efforts to improve transparency and accountability in government-funded agricultural projects took center stage as the òòò½ÊÓƵ (PCAF) held an exit conference on May 5, 2026 in Quezon City.
The conference marked the culmination of Participatory Monitoring and Tracking (PMT) activities conducted across the MIMAROPA Region, where stakeholders assessed the progress of projects funded by the Department of Agriculture (DA). The event served as a venue to present validated field observations, highlight good practices, discuss implementation issues and concerns, and recommend appropriate actions moving forward.
Spearheaded by the Monitoring and Evaluation Section of the Planning, Monitoring and Knowledge Management Division (PMKMD-MES), headed by Engr. Reynaldo Villanueva, Jr., the initiative underscored the importance of involving local councils in evaluating project implementation. By engaging representatives from the Regional, Provincial, and Municipal Agricultural and Fisheries Councils (RAFC, PAFC, and MAFC), the PMT process ensures that feedback and recommendations are directly gathered from stakeholders who experience these projects firsthand.
Setting the tone for the conference, Monitoring and Evaluation Section staff member Guiller Fermin outlined the rationale and legal bases of the activity, emphasizing the role of participatory monitoring in strengthening governance. His introduction was followed by presentations from council representatives, who shared insights from their field assessments.
These assessments, conducted from April 27 to May 1, 2026, covered a total of 137 projects across the region. Through coordinated validation efforts led by council chairpersons and coordinators, the monitoring teams gathered data that provided a clearer picture of project performance—highlighting both accomplishments and areas needing attention. The participants agreed on the actionable recommendations and in the designation of responsible offices for appropriate follow-through actions.
Key officials and stakeholders were present during the discussions led by RAFC Chairperson Alfonso Esguerra Jr., RAFC Executive Officer Jean Tirante, Chief of Operations Division Renie Madriaga, and representatives from the DA-RFO IV-B’s major banner programs. PCAF was represented by Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos and PMKMD Chief Floreliz P. Avellana.
The conference marked the first official activity under the leadership of RAFC Chairperson Esguerra in his role as Farmer Regional Executive Director for the month of May.
MES Chief Villanueva brought the conference to a close by synthesizing the day’s discussions, affirming key agreements, and setting strategic directions to drive stronger project implementation and more effective monitoring efforts moving forward.| Jane Briña
