Across the country鈥檚 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鈥� and Fisherfolk鈥檚 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 蝌蚪视频鈥� (PCAF) mandate of institutionalizing stakeholder participation in agricultural policymaking.
鈥淭he FRED Program offers a unique opportunity for farmer and fisherfolk leaders to step inside the system and engage directly in governance,鈥� De Los Santos said. 鈥淚t 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.鈥�
Launched in 2017 during the annual Farmers鈥� and Fisherfolk鈥檚 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.
