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 �����Ƶ (PCAF) 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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The �����Ƶ (PCAF) finalized its operational refinement during its Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Agency Midyear Performance Review and Planning Workshop on July 6 to 7, 2026 in Quezon City.

Guided by its new Strategic Plan 2026–2031, the agency is shifting from tracking basic outputs to an evidence-based governance framework focused on measurable stakeholder impact.

“We gathered today not only to review what we have accomplished but also to reflect on how our work has created meaningful impact for the stakeholders we serve,” said PCAF Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos.

By adopting governance mapping (GM) and stakeholder impact storytelling (SIS), PCAF’s Operating Units (OUs) was able to analyze the bottlenecks and successes that will shape a more responsive organization for the remainder of the year. GM establishes clear operational roadmaps and accountability, while SIS translates complex data into relatable narratives that build empathy, transparency, and public support.

To optimize service delivery and resolve first-semester bottlenecks, the management committee and OUs agreed on several critical adjustments.

To strengthen stakeholder engagement and service delivery, PCAF will accelerate external partnerships by quickly updating its Civil Society Organization (CSO) guidelines and implementing strategies to meet partnership goals.

In collaboration with the private sector, the agency will develop a citizen reporting mechanism to improve participatory monitoring and feedback systems. Moreover, to support inclusive governance, PCAF will institutionalize youth participation monitoring in compliance with Republic Act No. 8044 and assess its gender mainstreaming initiatives across all operations.

Internally, all OUs need to fast-track priority activities and speed up procurement, obligation, and disbursement processes. The General Services Section will optimize vehicle maintenance funds and expedite essential repairs.

To build organizational capacity and reduce reliance on external experts, PCAF will create in-house training modules and a centralized learning repository to preserve institutional knowledge. Finally, the Interim Information and Communications Technology Unit will drive digital transformation by exploring productivity-enhancing AI tools and benchmarking human resource information systems to improve overall efficiency.

Following the conclusion of first-semester report submissions this July, PCAF will immediately conduct its Joint Midyear to directly align second semester operations with regional partners and the AFCs. | Jezebel Campaniel

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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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In line with its commitment to the continual improvement of its services and further capacitation of its personnel, the �����Ƶ (PCAF) conducted an in-house training seminar titled “Alignment to New Government Procurement Act (RA No. 12009).”

The three-day capability-building activity was conducted from June 30 to July 2, 2026, at the Apacible Hall Conference Rooms in Quezon City.

The training gathered around 50 key PCAF employees, including members of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), the BAC Secretariat, the BAC Technical Working Group, top PCAF officials, and various procurement focal persons from its Operating Units.

To provide professional guidance on the legislative updates of the new RA, PCAF invited Government Procurement Policy Board-Technical Support Office resource persons, Dianne Ibias, Philippe Cortes, and Dr. Abrian Joy Orencia, who expertly unpacked the key differences between the old procurement framework and the newly implemented law.

Emphasizing the critical nature of the activity, PCAF OIC Deputy Executive Director Cyril Soliaban said that procurement is not just a process, it is an organizational responsibility.

“Procurement starts long before BAC receives the documents. It starts with proper planning, identifying the real needs of our offices, and preparing complete, well-thought-out specifications. Every peso we spend is taxpayers’ money and every procurement decision reflects our integrity as public servants,” he added.

Key updates from RA No. 12009 

The RA No. 12009 was enacted in July 2024 and serves as a comprehensive revision of the 21-year-old RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act of 2003.

The training sessions discussed how the new Act introduces flexibility, modern technologies, and a “fit-for-purpose” approach.

1. Paradigm shift: “Fit-for-Purpose” vs. One-Size-Fits-All

​Old Provision (RA 9184): Competitive Public Bidding was the absolute default mode. Alternative methods (like direct contracting or negotiated procurement) were heavily restricted, strictly regulated, and often treated with intense suspicion by auditors.

​New Provision (RA 12009): Mandates a Fit-for-Purpose procurement approach. It gives procuring entities the explicit flexibility to select from a broader variety of procurement modalities tailored to the specific nature, risk, and strategy of the project, without compromising transparency.

​2. Shift in award criterion: Lowest price vs. best value

​Old Provision (RA 9184): Goods and infrastructure projects were rigidly awarded using the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid (LCRB). This often forced agencies to buy the cheapest items available, which frequently resulted in subpar quality, frequent breakdowns, or delayed infrastructure projects.

​New Provision (RA 12009): Introduces the concept of the Most Economically Advantageous Responsive Bid (MEARB) for goods and infrastructure. This allows agencies to assign weights to both technical or qualitative attributes and financial aspects, ensuring they get the best overall value, not just the lowest sticker price.

​3. Focus on lifecycle costing and sustainability

​Old Provision (RA 9184): Green procurement and long-term costs were virtually absent in the old text. Evaluation only considered the upfront purchase price.

​New Provision (RA 12009): Formally institutionalizes Lifecycle Cost Analysis and Green Public Procurement (GPP). Procuring entities must now evaluate the long-term environmental impact, operational costs, maintenance, and eventual disposal of a project or asset at the end of its useful life.

​4. Modernization and streamlining

​Old Provision (RA 9184): While it introduced the PhilGEPS system, it was designed in an era of manual, physical submissions, long face-to-face BAC meetings, and restrictive thresholds.

​New Provision (RA 12009): Heavily pushes digital integration, explicit use of emerging technologies, and Open Contracting Practices (making data fully shareable across all stages). It also explicitly permits electronic BAC meetings and adjusts thresholds, such as increasing the Small Value Procurement (SVP) threshold up to PhP2,000,000 to drastically reduce bureaucratic delays for minor purchases.

​5. Professionalization of Procurement Personnel

​Old Provision (RA 9184): Members of the BAC and Secretariat were designated to perform these as an “add-on” task to their regular government duties, often leading to limited specialized procurement expertise.

​New Provision (RA 12009): Explicitly introduces Procurement Professionalization. It treats procurement as a specialized track within the civil service, providing structured training and capacity-building to create dedicated, qualified procurement practitioners.

Through this procurement training initiative, PCAF commits to ensure its procurement arm remains highly competent, agile, and legally compliant as it steers the agency toward more transparent and high-impact public service. | Jezebel Campaniel

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To better connect the public with essential agricultural services, the �����Ƶ (PCAF) joined 11 other Department of Agriculture (DA) agencies, bureaus, and programs at the Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines 2026 Expo. 

The event served as a platform to showcase initiatives, services, and programs designed to support the livestock, poultry, and fisheries sectors. Held from June 24 to 26 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, the three-day event drew over 11,000 visitors from across the country.

Under the theme “Modern Farming Practices, Bountiful Harvest: The Future of Livestock and Aquaculture,” the expo brought together industry leaders, farmers, students, members of the academe, and tech innovators to share knowledge and build partnerships.

In a message delivered by Undersecretary for Livestock Dr. Constante Palabrica for DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., the Agriculture Chief emphasized the government’s strong commitment to boosting the livestock, poultry, and aquaculture sectors. He highlighted that modernizing these industries is vital to achieving food security and sustainable farming in the Philippines.

Throughout the event, PCAF hosted an information booth where visitors and farmers could access free educational materials and learn about the agency’s programs, activities, and projects, all while enjoying a complimentary cup of hot coffee.

Technical personnel from PCAF’s key divisions were on-site to attend various forums and gain updated knowledge on emerging technologies and interventions in support of the implementation of Intensified Community-Based Dairy Enterprise Development Project,which aims to boost local milk and dairy production. 

Additionally, technical staff serving as focal persons for the agency’s National Sectoral Committees on Poultry and Livestock, as well as Corn and Feed Crops, were present to discuss ongoing efforts to improve local animal feed and farming policies.

Civil Society Organization (CSO) accreditation emerged as one of the most frequently asked topics at the PCAF booth. As the facilitator of the national-level CSO accreditation process for the DA, PCAF helps qualify these organizations to act as eligible implementing partners or beneficiaries of DA public funds, grants, and agri-fishery projects.| Jezebel Campaniel, with reports from Jane Briña

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In celebration of the �����Ƶ’ (PCAF) anniversary and as part of its continuing efforts to promote a culture of learning and knowledge sharing, its Planning, Monitoring, and Knowledge Management Division (PMKMD) conducted a Knowledge Unloading Day (KUD) titled: Insights from PCAF Returning Scholars on June 25, 2026, via Zoom.

The online activity gave returning scholars a venue to share key learnings, best practices, and insights from various local and international capacity development programs. It also promoted knowledge exchange among employees, encouraging them to apply what they’ve learned to strengthen organizational performance, innovation, and service delivery.

Serving as resource persons were Ms. Patrishia Joy Reytana and Engr. Reynaldo Villanueva, Jr., both Korea International Cooperation Agency Philippines (KOICA) scholars, as well as Ms. Joane Carla Auditor, Engr. Charmine Joy Esta, and Engr. Jahensi Supanga, all Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) scholars.

The returning scholars shared key research findings, learnings, and experiences from their scholarship programs, including best practices, challenges encountered, and competencies gained. 

In his opening message, OIC Deputy Executive Director Cyril Soliaban underscored the value of continuous learning within the organization.

“Today, we come together para sa isang pagkakataon na sana magpapaalala sa atin na one of the great investments sa isang organisasyon is that we can make learning as part of our responsibility towards one another,” said Deputy Executive Director Cyril Soliaban.

“We recognize that investing in learning and professional development is essential to strengthening our organization and enhancing the services that we provide sa ating mga stakeholders,” he furthered.

The returning scholars shared their research contributions and reflected on lessons learned beyond the classroom — from cultural exposure to comparative insights on their host institutions. The activity also made room to unpack the challenges they faced, the competencies they gained, and the opportunities for collaboration ahead, while gathering recommendations to strengthen PCAF’s scholarship.

Closing the activity, Planning, Monitoring, and Knowledge Management Division Chief Floreliz Avellana commended the returning scholars for their accomplishments and encouraged younger employees to pursue similar opportunities.

“To all of you, you made us proud! Nawa ay marami tayong natutunan and to our junior staff, hope you were inspired to follow suit. After all, sabi nga, education is the passport to the future,” said PMKMD  Division Chief Avellana. | Joy Camille Luza

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QUEZON CITY- Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has endorsed a private sector-backed policy resolution calling for the immediate transition to a 5 percent coco-biodiesel blend (B5), and has forwarded the proposal to both the Senate and the Department of Energy (DOE).

The Department of Agriculture’s (DA) endorsement covers Resolution No. 03, Series of 2026, passed by the �����Ƶ–National Sectoral Committee (NSC) on Coconut, chaired by Charles Avila.

Philippine Coconut Authority Administrator Dexter Buted also expressed the agency’s full support for the resolution, describing it as a strong potential boost for the coconut industry, which sustains millions of Filipino livelihoods.

Secretary Tiu Laurel forwarded the manifesto to Senator Francis “Kiko” N. Pangilinan, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, and to Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin, who also chairs the National Biofuels Board (NBB).

The shift toward higher biofuel blends was mandated under Republic Act No. 9367, or the Biofuels Act of 2006, which promotes the blending of Coconut Methyl Ester (CME) into petroleum products to revitalize the domestic coconut industry, enhance energy security, and advance environmental sustainability.

A 300 percent spike in international coconut oil prices in the past had forced the NBB to temporarily pause the transition. However, current market conditions are now seen as favorable for its revival.

CME is biodegradable and non-toxic, and produces significantly lower sulfur and greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional petroleum diesel.

Industry experts note that while the B5 blend is a strategic, long-term market intervention rather than a quick fix for fuel prices, it remains a critical step as domestic oil prices are expected to take six to twelve months to stabilize amid ongoing global supply chain disruptions.

Beyond its environmental and technical benefits, the expansion of B5 is expected to help stabilize agricultural prices and generate higher incomes for an estimated 2.5 to 3.5 million coconut farmers.

“The Department of Agriculture strongly supports the transition to a 5 percent biodiesel blend. This is more than a step toward meeting international standards. It is a meaningful investment in the future of millions of Filipino farmers, workers, and families who rely on the coconut industry for their livelihood,” Tiu Laurel said.

He added that expanding demand for CME would help create jobs, maximize existing production capacity, and generate greater value for the coconut sector.

“At the same time, this shift strengthens the country’s energy security and self-reliance by reducing dependence on imported fuels and making better use of a homegrown renewable resource,” the DA chief added. | Jezebel Campaniel

ABOUT PCAF:

The �����Ƶ (PCAF) is an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA) that facilitates broad-based participatory development mechanisms and processes by conducting stakeholder consultations and dialogues for policy formulation, and participatory monitoring and tracking of DA-funded programs and projects.

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Following earlier calls for stronger irrigation coordination and water resource management, the �����Ƶ (PCAF) Committee on Climate Change, Environment, and Natural Resources (CCCENR) convened a special meeting on June 10 to review the endorsed PCAF CCCENR Resolution No. 3, Series of 2026, on a proposed Unified Irrigation Roadmap and Inter-Agency Coordination Mechanism between the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).

The review builds on discussions during the Committee’s second quarter meeting on May 7, 2026, where stakeholders underscored the need to harmonize irrigation planning, strengthen watershed management, and improve coordination among agencies responsible for water resources and agricultural development.

Presenting the National Irrigation Master Plan (NIMP) 2020–2030, NIA’s Engr. Reynaldo Nilo reported that the master plan is approximately 70 percent complete and highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination with partner agencies through regional irrigation planning and stakeholder consultations.

The presentation prompted discussions on mechanisms to prevent overlapping irrigation interventions and improve coordination between NIA and BSWM. Stakeholders also raised concerns on the long-term sustainability of irrigation systems amid increasing climate-related pressures on water resources, including the impacts of El Niño on rainfall-dependent water sources.

Meanwhile, Engr. Patrick Espanto of BSWM presented the National Small-Scale Irrigation Project (SSIP) Master Plan 2023–2030, which outlines initiatives to support water conservation and improve irrigation services for farmers. Discussions following the presentation highlighted the importance of integrating water conservation measures, disaster risk reduction, and watershed protection into irrigation planning and implementation.

A recurring theme throughout the meeting was the need to strengthen watershed management to sustain water supplies for agricultural lands. Committee members noted that while various agencies implement programs related to irrigation and water resources, stronger coordination and clearer institutional arrangements are needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of watersheds supporting irrigation systems.

To address these concerns, the Committee adopted Policy Resolution No. 8, Series of 2026, recommending the strengthening and full implementation of an inter-agency and multi-stakeholder watershed and irrigation systems management framework to ensure sustainable water supply. Members also noted that a stronger policy instrument may be needed to institutionalize the participation of concerned agencies and stakeholders in watershed management efforts.

The Committee likewise adopted Policy Resolution No. 6, Series of 2026, recommending the strengthening of research, development, and innovation-based risk management strategies for emerging and climate-induced pests and diseases, and Policy Resolution No. 7, Series of 2026, recommending the re-evaluation of support mechanisms and the provision of timely response assistance to climate-affected agri-fishery communities affected by El Niño, La Niña, and other climate-related disasters. | Joy Camille Luza

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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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