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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As part of its continuing efforts to strengthen its workforce, the �����Ƶ (PCAF) formally welcomed three employees to their new positions during an oath-taking ceremony held on July 8, 2026, at the PCAF Office in Quezon City.

PCAF Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos administered the oath of office to Alvin Racho, Fraulein Claire Ronquillo, and Ariadne Marie Daquioag, marking the start of their new responsibilities within the agency. Racho was promoted to Development Management Officer (DMO) IV, while Ronquillo and Daquioag assumed the positions of Development Management Officer (DMO) II under the Partnership Development Division (PDD).

As Assistant Division Chief of the PDD, Racho will help lead initiatives to mobilize volunteers and strengthen partnerships in support of agriculture and fisheries modernization. He will also help expand stakeholder engagement to ensure inclusive and meaningful participation in policy development, foster cross-sector collaboration to enhance public awareness and service delivery, strengthen community participation, and provide technical and administrative support to consultative bodies at the regional and local levels.

Meanwhile, Ronquillo will serve under the Volunteer Management Section, where she will support initiatives to strengthen volunteer engagement and stakeholder participation. Her responsibilities include assisting in volunteer recruitment and retention, maintaining partner databases, supporting volunteer recognition programs, and monitoring the performance of Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFCs), National Sectoral Committees (NSCs), and other volunteer partners.

Previously serving as a Contract of Service personnel, Daquioag has been appointed to the Social Mobilization Section. In her new role, she will provide technical and secretariat support to the AFCs, facilitate stakeholder consultations, and assist in the development, endorsement, and monitoring of policy recommendations to strengthen participatory governance in the agriculture and fisheries sector.

The oath-taking ceremony was witnessed by Officer-in-Charge Deputy Executive Director Cyril Soliaban, Partnership Development Division Chief Catherine Viray, Administrative, Financial and Management Division Chief Marisa Lo, and Human Resource Development Section Officer-in-Charge Jeffrey Lozada. | Jane Briña

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The �����Ƶ (PCAF) is undertaking its first fully agency-led evaluative study through the conduct of a nationwide assessment on dairy feed management, marking a significant milestone in the agency’s research and policy development initiatives for the agriculture sector.

With technical assistance from the National Dairy Authority (NDA), PCAF is directly implementing the study—from data gathering and analysis to report writing and completion of the assessment—reflecting the agency’s growing role in generating evidence-based inputs for policy and program development in the dairy industry.

“This is the first time PCAF will fully implement an evaluative study,” shared John Errasmus Mari Montiano, technical staff of the Project Development Section under the Planning, Monitoring, and Knowledge Management Division, and one of the study’s field researchers. “This differs from previous commissioned studies, in which PCAF only assisted with data gathering. This time, PCAF, with technical assistance from the National Dairy Authority, will fully conduct the study—from data gathering and data analysis to report writing and completion of the study.”

Assessing Dairy Feed Management Practices

The study seeks to assess current feeding practices, feed resources, and feed-related challenges encountered by dairy farmers and stakeholders across selected dairy-producing areas in the country. It also aims to generate baseline information and policy recommendations that can support interventions to improve dairy productivity, animal nutrition, and farm sustainability.

As part of the field activities, the PCAF study team has been conducting site visits, interviews, field observations, and validation activities with dairy farmers, cooperatives, associations, feed suppliers, technicians, and local government representatives.

The first leg of the data gathering activities was conducted in February 2026, serving as the initial phase of field validation and data collection for the study.

The second leg of field data gathering began from May 11–15, 2026, covering dairy farms and organizations in Batangas, Quezon, and Bukidnon. This was followed by a continuation of field activities in Iloilo from May 25–28, 2026, where the study team conducted additional data collection and verification activities among dairy stakeholders.

Across these field sites, the researchers gathered information on feed availability and accessibility, forage production systems, feed formulation practices, seasonal feed supply challenges, production costs, and the use of alternative or locally available feed materials. Field observations likewise documented the realities faced by dairy stakeholders, including rising commercial feed costs, climate-related effects on forage availability, and the need for strengthened technical support and research-driven feed innovations.

Capacity Building Prior to Field Activities

Prior to the conduct of field activities, members of the data gathering team underwent an intensive three-day training program on Body Condition Scoring (BCS) and forage identification to help ensure the accuracy and consistency of field assessments and data collection procedures.

The training covered the principles and application of BCS for dairy cattle and buffaloes, as well as hands-on identification of key forage resources, including grasses, legumes, and crop residues. With these strengthened capabilities, PCAF personnel are set to apply standardized evaluation methods as field assessments continue nationwide.

Laboratory Analysis of Feed Samples

Feed samples collected during the activities are being subjected to laboratory analysis to evaluate the nutritional quality of local feed resources, including their protein, energy, and fiber content. The results will be compared with commercially available feeds to help determine the effectiveness of local feed ingredients for dairy nutrition.

The laboratory analyses are also expected to support the prediction of animal performance indicators such as growth rate, feed conversion efficiency, and reproductive performance based on the nutritional values obtained from the feed samples.

Longitudinal Approach Across Climatic Periods

According to Montiano, the study adopts a longitudinal panel approach in which the same group of farms will be observed across different climatic periods to capture seasonal variations affecting dairy feed management and animal performance.

The approach covers the cold-dry season from December to February, the hot-dry season from March to May, when heat stress and feed scarcity are more pronounced, and the wet season from June to November, which is characterized by rapid forage growth but also management challenges due to excessive moisture and declining forage quality.

Through this repeated-measures design, the study aims to determine how seasonal changes in forage availability, biomass, and environmental conditions influence milk production, animal body condition, and overall farm performance.

Continuing Field Activities

The next round of field activities is tentatively scheduled in August 2026 and will involve revisiting the same dairy farms and organizations previously covered during earlier rounds of fieldwork. This follow-up phase aims to document possible changes in feed conditions, management practices, and production-related concerns across different periods.

Supporting Evidence-Based Dairy Policies

The evaluative study aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the agriculture and fisheries sector through participatory and evidence-based approaches involving government agencies, industry stakeholders, farmer organizations, and the private sector. By engaging directly with dairy farmers and industry players, the study reinforces the importance of grounded field data in developing responsive and practical policy recommendations for the dairy sector.

PCAF emphasized that the study reflects the agency’s commitment to supporting informed decision-making and promoting responsive policies for the dairy sector. The agency also acknowledged the cooperation and participation of partner institutions, LGUs, dairy cooperatives, and farmers who contributed valuable information and insights throughout the field activities.

The consolidated findings and recommendations from the study are expected to support future initiatives aimed at improving feed systems, enhancing dairy farm productivity, and strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of the Philippine dairy industry. | Bernard Masa

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The �����Ƶ (PCAF), through its Partnership Development Division – Capacity Development Section (PDD-CDS), has launched a series of Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation (PM&E) Trainings designed to build the capacity of Consultative Body (CB) members in effectively tracking and assessing agriculture and fisheries programs nationwide.

The inaugural batch of the PM&E Training Series was successfully conducted from May 25 to 29, 2026 in Batangas City, gathering participants from the MIMAROPA Region. Attendees included Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC) officers and members, AFC secretariat-coordinators, and staff from the Planning, Monitoring and Knowledge Management Division – Monitoring and Evaluation Section (PMKMD-MES) who have yet to undergo the training.

The five-day residential training immersed participants in key principles and methodologies of participatory monitoring and evaluation, with sessions balancing theoretical grounding and hands-on application.

The curriculum was designed to equip Participatory Monitoring and Tracking Team (PMT) members with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to effectively carry out their monitoring and evaluation responsibilities. Key topics include:

• Participatory development concepts and principles
• Participatory monitoring and evaluation frameworks
• M&E tools, data collection methods, and analysis
• Interpretation and use of results for policy improvement
• Monitoring market linkage initiatives and supply chains
• Assessing market access outcomes and procurement engagements
• Evaluating enterprise performance under Sagip Saka
• Developing monitoring plans and analyzing gathered data

Participants also engaged in hands-on case study workshops, specifically designed to strengthen their capacity to develop monitoring plans, conduct monitoring activities, and translate data into actionable insights for improving programs and policies in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. The skills gained from the training are expected to support the monitoring of farm machinery projects, market linkage initiatives, Sagip Saka implementation, and other DA-supported agriculture and fisheries interventions in their respective areas. 

To ensure the quality and practical relevance of the training, the PDD-CDS engaged four learning partners from the University of the Philippines Diliman, drawing on their expertise in participatory processes and government program evaluation. Their prior engagements with PCAF and its Consultative Bodies contributed to the development of a comprehensive and responsive training module, ensuring alignment with the key principles and methodologies of PM&E and the practical realities of CB work in the field.

Following the successful completion of the first batch, three more training sessions are scheduled throughout 2026, reaching participants from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Western Visayas, and CALABARZON.

Each batch accommodates approximately 35 participants, prioritizing members of the Participatory Monitoring and Tracking Teams as designated through Special Orders issued by the PMKMD-MES, or as identified by the concerned Regional Agricultural and Fishery Councils (RAFCs).

The PM&E training series reflects PCAF’s commitment to fostering a culture of participatory governance within the agriculture and fisheries sectors. By equipping CBs with practical M&E skills, the program seeks to support more effective implementation of DA programs, improved resource allocation, and stronger linkages between farmers, fisherfolk, and institutional buyers.

Ultimately, the initiative is expected to contribute to the development of more responsive policies, strengthened market-oriented interventions, and more accountable programs — all anchored on the voices and participation of stakeholders at the grassroots level. | Bernard Masa

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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:
● 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.
● Diversified Farming: Encouraging “backyard to big farm” transitions for crops like coffee, cassava, and vegetables to reduce dependency on expensive imports.
● 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:
● Initiated the “Bangko Basura” program for solid waste management.
● Partnered with World Vision for environmental capacity building.
● 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 �����Ƶ’ (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 �����Ƶ – 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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