Amid Misamis Oriental鈥檚 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鈥攖raining farmers in machinery use, crop management, and marketing. He also promotes practical solutions like mixed livestock farming and diversified crops to increase farmers鈥� 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 鈥淐hampion in Partnership Award鈥� highlights decades of unwavering commitment to collaboration, community development, and people-centered progress鈥攑roving 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.
鈥淜aming 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.鈥�, 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鈥� 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 鈥減asalubong鈥� 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 鈥淧illars in Agriculture鈥� during the 2024 National Volunteers鈥� Day celebration. He continues to work toward a future where farmers are equipped with the skills, resources, and support they need to thrive鈥攔einforcing his enduring commitment to agriculture as the backbone of the nation.
鈥淜ung walang magsasaka, walang kakainin ang mga tao,鈥� he said. | Jane Bri帽a
