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

The post PCAF conducts first agency-led evaluative study on dairy feed management appeared first on �����Ƶ.

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

The post Building monitoring capacities: AFC members trained on participatory M&E under the Sagip Saka framework appeared first on �����Ƶ.

In a move to build a more resilient and equitable food system, the National Sectoral Committee on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (NSC on GESI) is advancing strengthened policy reforms within the Department of Agriculture (DA) and other government bodies with agri-fishery related programs.

During the second quarter meeting of the Committee on June 9, 2026, members emphasized that gender and social development should no longer be treated as isolated programs. Instead, stakeholders are pushing to mainstream these principles into regular government operations to directly boost food security among the sector’s most vulnerable food producers and retail workers.

“By increasing the gender quota across all government agencies and bureaus, there is a conscious effort to strengthen the participation of women, Indigenous Peoples, and other marginalized sectors in all agri-fishery initiatives. Our objective is to turn these policy recommendations into actionable steps and permanently integrate them within legally accountable government frameworks,” said NSC on GESI Chairperson Hazel Tanchuling.

Enhancing policy accountability for the marginalized

A primary focus of the Committee’s structural reform is ensuring that Gender and Development mandates are strictly implemented and backed by legal accountability. To address this, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Center for Gender Equality and Women’s Rights briefed the Committee on concrete legal measures and accountability for state agencies failing to uphold these directives.

By enforcing transparent budget execution and robust policy compliance, the committee seeks to secure equitable state support for marginalized groups, such as indigenous peoples, youth, and both male and female agri-retailers, who form the backbone of the local food supply chain.

The CHR clarified that the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) will still handle monitoring agency compliance and will submit a list of non-compliant government agencies to the CHR. The CHR, tasked to monitor policy violations, will then initiate formal investigations into the flagged agencies to enforce legal accountability.

Targeted initiatives to boost A/F food security

To translate these policy reforms into real impacts on food security, several key government agencies presented targeted socio-economic mechanisms during the meeting.

The Landbank of the Philippines highlighted tailored credit facilities and financial services specifically structured to empower women and marginalized farmers and fisherfolk. The Department of Social Welfare and Development detailed the features of the Walang Gutom 2027 Food Stamp Program, exploring strategic linkages with the local agriculture and fisheries sector to ensure sustained food access.

Meanwhile, the DA Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service presented the operational mechanics of the Young Farmers Challenge Season 6, aiming to actively engage citizens aged 18 to 30 in sustainable agricultural entrepreneurship. The application period opened on June 1 and will run until July 31, 2026.

The Committee also highlighted Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council updates. The Davao Region’s recommendations addressed wage gaps for women and healthcare barriers for persons with disabilities, while the Cordillera Administrative Region recommended policies to institutionalize the Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4K) Program and establish a national program for heirloom rice.

The Committee suggested broadening the heirloom-related policy scopes to look beyond just production factors by integrating environmental conservation and farmer incentivization.

NSC on GESI Chairperson Tanchuling emphasized that these frameworks should expand their reach to include the Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems and other critical sectors, rather than limiting focus exclusively to heirloom rice initiatives. | Jezebel Campaniel

The post GESI Committee pushes for strengthened policy reforms, improved food security among A/F marginalized groups appeared first on �����Ƶ.

Future policies on Philippine bioethanol feedstocks could change after stakeholders from the National Sectoral Committees on Corn and on Livestock and Poultry met on June 4, 2026 via hybrid format to discuss amendments to Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 2008-1.

The proposed amendment seeks to lift government restrictions and officially add corn to sugarcane and molasses as approved bioethanol feedstocks. The proposal still requires final approval from the National Biofuels Board.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary for Operations U-Nichols Manalo cited the ongoing fuel crisis as a primary driver behind the policy review, noting that local corn growers have long pushed for inclusion in the bioethanol market.

“We all know we are facing a fuel crisis, which is why we are again discussing the biofuel program,” Asec. Manalo said.

“During the three-island Corn Congresses held last year, participants passed a resolution supporting the delisting of corn so it can be used for ethanol. We are holding this consultation to gather your inputs and address your anxieties because, then again, the elephant in the room is the food-versus-fuel debate,” he added.

Asec. Manalo also acknowledged the historical concerns regarding land competition that originally led to corn’s restriction, emphasizing that the government wants to weigh all perspectives on this traditional “land utilization versus food, feed, and fuel” argument.

Potential benefits and risks

Advocates see the amendment as an alternative revenue stream for farmers during lean seasons. In a study from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), experts proposed using seasonal yellow corn oversupply directly into ethanol production, particularly during the wet season when drying facilities are scarce and farmgate prices drop.

Additionally, the Department of Energy (DOE) noted that transitioning to higher blend levels, such as Ethanol 20 (E20), a fuel blend consisting of 20% bioethanol and 80% gasoline, could reduce pump prices by as much as PhP5 per liter compared to current E10 formulations.

According to the DOE, blending locally produced ethanol also enhances energy security by reducing the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels. 

However, according to the livestock and poultry sectors, the Philippines currently meets only 62.7% of its yellow corn requirements domestically, and the crop comprises roughly half of all animal feed formulations. 

With the hog industry still recovering from African Swine Fever, groups like the United Broiler Raisers Association warned that diverting local corn to fuel production could force meat producers into a greater dependence on costly imports.

As a potential middle ground, the Philippine Association of Feed Millers Inc. signaled an openness to incorporating Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS), a nutrient-dense byproduct of corn ethanol production, into animal feed mixes to help offset supply pressures.

While this proposal drew cautious interest, livestock groups maintained that DDGS would not fully compensate for a reduction in the direct corn supply.

Next steps

To reconcile these opposing concerns, the Department of Agrarian Reform and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples are exploring the utilization of idle landholdings and ancestral domains to expand corn production without displacing existing food supplies.

The DOE emphasized that any policy rollout will be evidence-based, carefully monitored, and introduced in stages.

Stakeholders also highlighted the need to balance feed and fuel uses, conduct updated studies on DDGS utilization, and strengthen direct market linkages between farmers and end-users. Overall, the proposed JAO amendment was viewed positively for its potential to expand market opportunities and improve the income of corn farmers, subject to appropriate safeguards.

The �����Ƶ-NSC Secretariat and the National Corn Program will consolidate all consultation feedback into a formal report for the National Biofuels Board’s consideration in its upcoming review. | Jezebel Campaniel

The post Corn and livestock stakeholders weigh in on Corn-to-Bioethanol shift ahead of Biofuels Board Review appeared first on �����Ƶ.

The National Sectoral Committee (NSC) on Fisheries and Aquaculture–Sub-Committee on Salt adopted key recommendations supporting the continued implementation of Republic Act (RA) 11985, or the Philippine Salt Industry Development Act, during its first semester meeting on June 2, 2026.

Among the resolutions adopted was a recommendation to approve the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ (BFAR) proposed FY 2027 Tier 2 budget, which pertains to additional funding for new and expanded programs beyond the agency’s regular allocation. This budget seeks to support salt industry development through expanding salt production regions, establishing training, research, marketing, and post-harvest facilities, empowering stakeholders, and harmonizing legal and regulatory requirements.

Supporting the recommendation, Dr. Hannibal Chavez, head of BFAR’s National Salt Program Management Office, reported on ongoing initiatives under the law. These include regulatory reforms allowing salt production within Fishpond Lease Agreement areas alongside fishpond operations and aquasilviculture. He added that the amendments also streamlined application requirements while ensuring compliance with existing land classifications and regulations.

The Committee also reviewed updates on other initiatives supporting RA 11985 implementation, including organizational development activities for salt producers, efforts to identify lands suitable for salt production, regulatory measures on the Salt Production Tenurial Instrument, salt registration and importation, and the implementation of tax exemption provisions for the industry.

Meanwhile, the Committee reviewed progress on Policy Resolution No. 26, Series of 2025, which recommended reclassifying salt production under the Philippine Standard Industrial Classification (PSIC).

Emerson Aquino of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that consultations with stakeholders and government agencies highlighted the need to consider the entire salt value chain in official statistics. He added that the revised PSIC, approved by the PSA Board in May 2026, strengthens the coverage of salt-related economic activities and introduces five (5) new subclasses for salt-related activities.

Aquino also shared plans to establish a technical working group to further develop a Salt Industry Classification Framework and continue consultations with government agencies and industry stakeholders.

The Committee agreed that the proposed body may also address the classification of agricultural applications of salt, including Agricultural Grade Salt Fertilizer, as well as the integration of sex-disaggregated data and other gender mainstreaming initiatives in the development of the framework. | Joy Camille Luza

The post Salt industry stakeholders adopt key recommendations supporting continued RA 11985 implementation appeared first on �����Ƶ.

The National Sectoral Committee on Coconut (NSC on Coconut) pushed for a resolution requesting that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) grant the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) full access to the special account within the general fund dedicated to trade and market compliance.

The request was raised during the Committee’s second-quarter meeting, held via video conference on May 28, 2026.

During the meeting, the private sector-partners highlighted that full access aims to ensure Philippine coconut products remain competitive and compliant with increasingly strict global standards.

Enacted in 2021, Republic Act (RA) No. 11524 established the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund as a sustainable, 50-year program designed to modernize the sector and uplift marginalized farmers. The Law authorizes the utilization of coco levy funds through the conversion of recovered assets, creating a dedicated financial resource that operates independently from the PCA’s regular budget appropriations.

This specialized fund allows the PCA to focus specifically on trade promotion and market expansion as part of a broader industry development strategy.

The Committee also raised technical inquiries regarding the efficiency of the salt fertilization program, noting that the allocated PhP153 million covers only a limited number of trees.

Furthermore, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Legislative Liaison Office provided updates on House Bills concerning coconut oil mills and value-adding facilities, as well as information dissemination efforts regarding the Biofuels Act and related policies.

Aside from PCA, the DA’s Agricultural Training Institute and the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization shared their respective plans to strengthen technical support, training programs, and infrastructure for coconut farmers and cooperatives.

Regional sectoral representatives from the Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFCs) shared industry-related concerns, some of which were addressed during the session.

The NSC reported promising developments in foreign aid, citing active funding support from two international governments. To capitalize on these opportunities, the Committee moved to:

• Draft a Resolution: Requesting the DBM to allow the PCA full access to the special account for trade and market expansion.
• Enhance Market Compliance: Strengthening the industry’s ability to meet international regulations and boosting market promotion.

Beyond budgetary matters, the Committee reviewed the implementation of national tree-planting policies. PCA proposed raising the mandatory planting age under RA No. 10176 or the Arbor Day Act from 12 to 18 years old to ensure the mandate is more practical and age-appropriate for adult citizens.

With this in mind, the Committee motioned to support the declaration of Coconut as a “National Industrial Crop,” elevating its status in national economic planning. By addressing both financial resources and legislative frameworks, the NSC on Coconut aims to secure the “Tree of Life” for future generations while ensuring the country’s reforestation goals remain practical and age-appropriate.

The agreements reached during this session will be elevated to the �����Ƶ for endorsement to the Secretary of Agriculture. | Jezebel Campaniel

The post NSC on Coconut pushes full access to special fund, explores trade expansions in Q2 meeting appeared first on �����Ƶ.

To ensure the entire organization is harmonized toward a single vision, all employees of the �����Ƶ (PCAF) participated in the orientation and operational planning for the approved strategic plan 2026-2031 on May 25, 2026 in Quezon City.

Held via a hybrid setup, the activity aimed to align the agency’s daily operations with its long-term vision. By translating strategic priorities into actionable actions and measurable outputs, PCAF ensures that its resource requirements and annual targets are strictly anchored on its newly approved strategic plan.

“This activity strengthens the link between our programs, activities, and projects, our operational and financial plans, and our individual performance commitments,” said PCAF Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos.

“More importantly, this serves as an opportunity for collaboration and shared ownership,” she added.

The orientation focused on four primary objectives. These include the establishment of a unified understanding of strategic objectives, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and targets; facilitate cascading targets from the organizational level down to divisions and employees; guide units in translating strategic priorities into operational plans, aligned with budgeting and resource requirements, and strengthen alignment of programs, activities, and projects (PAPs), program expenditure classification indicators and performance commitments for coherent monitoring and evaluation.

During the workshop, operating units reviewed the linkage between agency-wide milestones and their respective deliverables, including the KPI operational definitions, targets, and implementation schedules. They were tasked with identifying activities that are feasible for implementation in the second semester of FY 2026 using existing funding allocations.

Likewise, employees were asked to submit performance commitments aligned with the agency’s strategic targets and unit deliverables. The submission of performance commitments begins once the Human Resource Development Section issues a memorandum.

The Planning and Programming Section will consolidate the list of FY 2026 implementable activities, including the corresponding KPIs and targets, to be submitted by the operating units on or before June 4, 2026. | Jezebel Campaniel

The post PCAF kicks off operational planning to align 6-year StratPlan appeared first on �����Ƶ.

More than 170 agriculture and fisheries (A&F) projects were evaluated across the seven provinces of Central Luzon from May 18 to 21, 2026.

As part of the 2026 Participatory Monitoring and Tracking (PMT) activity, the �����Ƶ (PCAF) spearheaded the evaluation of the projects across Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and Zambales. The initiative aims to strengthen oversight of Department of Agriculture (DA)-funded projects through active stakeholder engagement.

“Minsan, hindi natin agad napapansin ang mga challenges during the implementation ng ating mga programa. Pero naniniwala ako na these challenges are meant to be addressed and resolved, kaya malaki ang pasasalamat namin sa ginawa ninyong monitoring,” said  Dr. Arthur Dayrit, DA Regional Field Office (RFO) III Regional Technical Director for Operation, and Extension and Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division.

Dr. Dayrit welcomed the insights gained from the PMT, noting that they provided the clarity needed to align regional initiatives with realities on the ground. 

He called on program implementers, banner program representatives, and Agricultural Program Coordinating Officers to approach all observations, whether critical or commendatory, with a proactive mindset. He emphasized that the team is united by a singular objective: to continuously improve service quality for farmers and fisherfolk.

These span several banner programs, including the National Rice Program, National Livestock Program, National Corn Program, High Value Crops Development Program, National Organic Agriculture Program, National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the Farm-to-Market Road Development Program. 

Participatory Monitoring and Tracking (PMT) is PCAF’s collaborative governance mechanism that institutionalizes the involvement of industry stakeholders, specifically the Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC) and National Sectoral Committee (NSC) members, to monitor and track  agri-fishery plans, budgets, and DA-funded projects.

It serves as a vital strategy for transparency and advocacy, empowering civil society to validate reported accomplishments and encourages corrective measures, thereby optimizing the delivery of agricultural programs through meaningful stakeholder engagement.

The PMT efforts covered various interventions such as farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems, cold storage, and heavy machinery like tractors and harvesters.

The activity highlighted critical issues regarding equipment underutilization, the need for better technical training, and concerns over the durability of specific machinery brands. Additionally, the team noted data discrepancies and procurement-driven delays. 

During the PMT Exit Conference, the new status “For Utilization (Deferred Utilization)” was introduced on the project monitoring framework. This category joins the existing classifications “Fully Utilized,” “Underutilized,” “Not Utilized,” and “Does Not Exist” to provide a more precise account of asset deployment. 

The update, which originated during the March PMT Exit Conference in Eastern Visayas, aims to refine PMT reporting by distinguishing between stagnant projects and those simply awaiting the appropriate operational window.

For instance, assets delivered after the land preparation or harvest season cannot be immediately deployed. However, under this status, it is expected that it will be utilized in the next applicable cropping or production cycle. 

“This is why PMT matters. It is making sure projects (and equipment) truly deliver a positive impact to farmers and fishers. It is about catching small gaps before they become expensive problems,” said PCAF Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos. 

Aside from Dr. Dayrit and Dir. De Los Santos, Central Luzon Farmer-Director (FRED) and Regional AFC (RAFC) Vice Chairperson, Engr. Francisco Hernandez also joined the Municipal and Provincial AFCs at the Exit Conference on May 21 in Pampanga.

DA FRED and RAFC Vice Chair Hernandez also joined the actual monitoring in Nueva Ecija along with National Sectoral Committee Chairperson on Rice and Other Food Staples, Hazel Tanchuling.

Meanwhile, in response to the findings, the DA RFO III and program leads have committed to implementing corrective actions and policy recommendations to resolve these implementation bottlenecks on or before July 27, within the 45 working-day deadline provided to address the observed issues and submit formal feedback. | Jezebel Campaniel

The post PCAF conducts PMT in Central Luzon, 170 A&F projects evaluated appeared first on �����Ƶ.

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

The post NSC-PL adopts resolutions boosting livestock and poultry protection, rabies control, and veterinary services appeared first on �����Ƶ.

Stakeholders from the Philippine mango industry endorsed a policy resolution seeking expanded science-based support services for growers, highlighting the continued collaboration among government agencies, research institutions, and industry groups to strengthen the sector’s long-term competitiveness.

During the first semestral meeting of the National Mango Action Team (NMAT) under the National Sectoral Committee on Fruits and Vegetables, participants adopted a resolution recommending that the Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Bureau of Soils and Water Management Regional Laboratories, provide free soil sampling services for mango growers and farms nationwide.

Industry representatives emphasized the value of soil analysis in improving orchard management, particularly in guiding fertilizer application, pruning practices, and overall productivity. The recommendation also complements ongoing government initiatives on land suitability mapping and science-based farm management for high-value crops.

The resolution emerged from discussions on the DA’s Mango Suitability Mapping initiative, where stakeholders acknowledged the importance of integrating factors such as weather conditions, rainfall patterns, and soil characteristics in identifying suitable production areas for mango cultivation.

Beyond the adopted resolution, the meeting also highlighted continuing efforts to strengthen coordination between the government and mango industry stakeholders in research planning and policy development.

Participants welcomed updates from the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) on ongoing initiatives to harmonize mango-related research efforts with partner agencies, including the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development. Stakeholders likewise expressed support for broader participation of industry groups in future research planning and budgeting activities to help align research priorities with emerging industry needs.

The meeting also featured discussions on the 2022 Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture-Asian Development Bank Mango Value Chain Analysis, with stakeholders recognizing the study’s contribution to documenting industry conditions during the pandemic period. Participants noted that future studies and roadmap updates may further build on these findings to address evolving market conditions and emerging challenges in the mango sector.

Meanwhile, the �����Ƶ Policy Development and Coordination Division Assistant Chief Ahbel Milanes presented progress updates as of May 2026 on the updating of the Philippine Mango Industry Roadmap for 2027-2031, undertaken by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations .

Milanes reported that from March to April 2026, key informant interviews were conducted with 65 value chain actors and 15 agencies. From April to May 15, focus group discussions (FGDs) involving 13 participants, three exporter FGDs, and 10 agencies under policy FGDs were also completed.  The updated roadmap is targeted for finalization and national launch on July 17.

Other discussions during the meeting focused on initiatives related to capacity building, nursery accreditation, and safe pesticide use. 

The meeting concluded with continued support for collaborative and science-based approaches aimed at improving productivity, sustainability, and market competitiveness in the Philippine mango industry. | Joy Camille Luza

The post Nat’l Mango Action Team backs science-based support, stronger research collaboration appeared first on �����Ƶ.