In a move towards transparency and inclusive governance, the Department of Agriculture (DA), through the �����Ƶ (PCAF), in partnership with various DA livestock agencies, conducted a nationwide stakeholder consultation for the National Animal Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) on March 30, 2026 in Quezon City. 

The event brought together approximately 130 representatives from government agencies, private sector, and the academe to vet the strategic roadmap mandated by Republic Act (RA) No. 12308, also known as the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act that aims to modernize the Philippine livestock, poultry and dairy sectors.

The consultation served as a critical platform for the DA to ensure that the NAIDP is not merely a government document, but a collaborative blueprint reflecting the true needs of the industry. By adopting a “plenary-breakout-plenary” format, PCAF, together with DA Office of the Undersecretary for Livestock (OUSL), prioritized the voices of stakeholders across the swine, poultry, beef cattle, dairy, small ruminant, and carabao sectors.

During the breakout sessions, participants were encouraged to validate proposed interventions and identify cross-cutting issues. The inclusive approach aimed to align national priorities with industry realities, ensuring the modernization and global competitiveness of the Philippine animal industry.

Key issues and policy discussions

The plenary discussions tackled several pressing concerns currently facing local producers.

The OUSL confirmed that implementing guidelines of the RA 12308 are being developed, specifically covering sanctions and local government unit fees. They also raised concerns regarding excessive imports affecting farmgate prices, prompting calls for clearer regulatory mechanisms within the NAIDP. 

Meanwhile, it was clarified that the Animal Competitiveness Enhancement Fund will be utilized in alignment with approved industry roadmaps, with specific allocations already designated for hog repopulation and herd build-up. 

To ensure sound policy decisions, the NAIDP utilizes data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, verified by DA agencies and subject to further stakeholder validation. Other notable recommendations included reducing corn tariffs from 15% to 5%, establishing animal quarantine areas, and integrating soil health strategies into the core NAIDP plan. 

The path forward

PCAF and OUSL agreed to give the participants the opportunity to review and provide additional inputs for the refinement of the plan and submit it four days after the activity.

Following this, a writeshop will be conducted within the month of April to revise the NAIDP based on the gathered feedback. 

The final draft is scheduled for endorsement to the OUSL, while a tentative presentation to PCAF’s National Sectoral Committee on Poultry and Livestock is set within the month. It will be endorsed to the DA Secretary through the adoption of appropriate Committee policy resolution. 

Through this consultation, the DA family aims to finalize a roadmap that fosters a resilient, biosecure, and highly productive livestock and poultry sector for the Philippines. | Jezebel Campaniel

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The National Sectoral Committee on Fruits and Vegetables (NSC-FV), through a policy resolution, urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to develop a mitigation plan addressing the potential impact of the ongoing fuel supply chain disruption on the country’s fruits and vegetables sector.

During its first quarter regular meeting held on March 19, 2026, the Committee raised concerns over the possible ripple effects of rising global oil prices on agricultural logistics, production costs, and market stability. While current price monitoring of the DA- Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) indicates that fuel price increases have not yet affected prevailing market prices, stakeholders emphasized the urgency of preparing interventions to cushion farmers, traders, and consumers from anticipated cost pressures.

“As early as now, sana the Department of Agriculture would come up with a mitigation plan for this [fuel disruption situation] to help the farmers. They’re talking about fuel subsidy for running their farming equipment and interventions as far as logistics,” said Dr. Mary Ann Sayoc, Chairperson of the NSC on FV.

Discussions during the meeting highlighted increasing operational costs across the value chain, including higher trucking fees, electricity expenses for cold storage, and logistics costs. Stakeholders also flagged risks such as potential power outages that could disrupt storage systems and lead to spoilage, particularly in sensitive commodities like onions.

DA-AMAS noted that price movements are continuously monitored, with forecasts generally aligning with actual trends. However, current models do not yet factor in external shocks such as fuel supply fluctuations. The agency is reportedly developing strategies to address the potential impacts of the crisis, particularly on logistics and fuel-related costs.

Beyond the fuel crisis, the Committee also unanimously endorsed the proposed FY 2027 Plan and Budget Proposal of the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP).  This endorsement reaffirms a commitment to scaling up high-value crop productivity, bolstering national food security, and systematically reducing  the country’s reliance on imports. The proposal outlines priority commodities across fruits, vegetables, legumes, spices, and industrial crops, alongside major projects such as the Protected Cultivation System, Community-Based Nurseries, and Vegetable Project for Local Food Security.

The meeting also surfaced broader sectoral concerns, including the need to strengthen local production of agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides to reduce import dependence. Stakeholders underscored that rising input costs, coupled with external shocks, could significantly affect farmer incomes if left unaddressed.

In addition, the Committee adopted resolutions revisiting policy recommendations on urban agriculture, particularly the use of deep wells for irrigation in Quezon City, and supporting financial assistance for the annual Mango Congresses.

With multiple resolutions passed, the NSC-FV strengthened  its role in policy advocacy for the fruits and vegetables sector, with a focus on proactive measures to address emerging economic and environmental challenges. | Joy Camille Luza

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They are the quiet architects of the Philippine agri-fishery sector—the women and men who trade their time and knowledge for the development of the industry.

On March 26, 2026, over 400 dedicated private-sector partners from national and local levels gathered to celebrate the 11th National Agriculture and Fisheries Volunteers’ Day (NVD) and cheer for the country’s agri-fishery champions.

The NVD is an annual event organized by the �����Ƶ (PCAF). The event highlighted the transformative power of volunteerism in shaping a sustainable and robust future for Filipino farmers and fisherfolk through participatory governance.

It honors volunteers at national, regional, provincial, city, and municipal levels for their role in advancing participatory governance as mandated by the Volunteer Act of 2007 (RA 9418).

The event featured Billie Crystal Dumaliang, co-founder and advocacy director of the Masungi Georeserve Foundation, as the inspirational speaker. Drawing parallels between environmental conservation and agricultural volunteerism, as well as the role of women in these efforts, she emphasized, “Kailangan silang pakinggan. Kailangan silang suportahan. Kailangan silang pagkatiwalaan. Dahil kapag umangat ang kababaihan—buong komunidad ang umaangat.”

Honoring the Champions

The highlight of the celebration was the recognition of outstanding volunteers, councils, and committees for their exceptional leadership in 2025. This year’s ceremony conferred a total of 80 awards across 40 categories at both the national and local levels, with winners receiving cash prizes and plaques in honor of their dedication.

The awards for regional leadership highlighted the power of grassroots collaboration. Dante Tobias, Chairperson of the Cagayan Valley Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC), accepted the award for Outstanding RAFC Executive Committee.

“Winning this award is a clear manifestation of the spirit of volunteerism and cooperation among the AFCs—from the regional level down to the barangay levels,” Tobias said. He emphasized that the council’s success is rooted in mutual trust, which has enabled a unified vision for the economic advancement of farmers and fisherfolk across Cagayan Valley.

In a similar vein of regional dedication, Engr. Miguel Pedroso of Eastern Visayas was named Outstanding RAFC Chairperson. Pedroso attributed his success to a disciplined approach to policy implementation.

“I’ve been consistent since the beginning of my service,” Pedroso said. “I bring the farmers’ and fishers’ concerns from every consultation to the table. My advocacy is to increase their income through supplemental crops like jackfruit and ube, helping them provide a better future for their children.”

The celebration also honored those bridging the gap between stakeholders and the government. Dinna Umengan, representing the National Sectoral Committee (NSC) on Fisheries and Aquaculture, received the Partnership Champion award for her efforts to enhance collaboration beyond committee membership.

“This serves as an inspiration to continue striving forward, as many policy issues still need to be addressed,” Umengan said. She noted that the NSC on FA’s shared goal is to ensure the fisheries and aquaculture sectors remain robust enough to support the livelihoods of every fish worker.

Finally, the Advocacy Award was presented to Dr. Ernesto Ordoñez, who viewed the recognition as a tribute to the legions of volunteers fighting for the justice of the agricultural sector. 

Ordoñez highlighted the national impact of collective action, noting that his voice only carried weight because of the “wise recommendations” relayed from committee members to decision-makers.

To Ordoñez, the award is a mandate to ensure that every hard-won recommendation reaches the Agriculture Secretary’s desk for personal review. He remains steadfast in the belief that these long-term policies, as they are implemented, will create the necessary conditions for a sustainable and resilient agricultural future.

 Complete List of 11th NVD Winners

The 11th NVD Celebration concluded with a renewed commitment to foster inclusive development, proving that when the voices of volunteers are heard, the future of Philippine agriculture remains bright.

PCAF Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos noted that the agency recognizes not only the volunteers’ contributions but also the spirit of volunteerism—the belief that every individual has the capacity to contribute to national development.

DA Undersecretary for Operations, Engr. Roger Navarro, added that the ecosystem of volunteerism does not exist in isolation. “This collaboration is the backbone of effective governance. Multi-stakeholder engagement leads to shared ownership. When we work together, the success of a project isn’t just ‘DA’s success’—it is the triumph of no less than the whole community it serves.”

Senator Francisco “Kiko” Pangilinan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, and PCAF Chief Executive Officer and DA Undersecretary-Designate for Identified High-Value Export Crops and Agri-Fishery Export Development and Promotion Philip C. Young also extended their congratulations, highlighting the volunteers’ significant contributions to the sector and their continued commitment to participatory governance. | Jezebel Campaniel

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As the country faces rising energy prices fueled by international conflicts, the National Sectoral Committee (NSC) on Coconut is advocating  for a strategic, long-term solution to improve fuel mileage.

During its  first-quarter meeting on March 11, 2026, the Committee  passed a manifesto supporting the full implementation of the Biofuels Act and an immediate transition to a 5% coco-biodiesel blend (B5).

Although not a “quick fix” for the high gas prices the country is currently facing, the full implementation of biofuel and B5 transition offers superior engine performance, better mileage, and a more self-reliant energy sector that reduces  long-term costs. 

Signed in 2007 by President Gloria Arroyo, the Biofuels Act (Republic Act 9367) initially mandated a 1% biodiesel blend (B1) within three months, and 2% (B2) within two years. While the government has sought to reach B5 in 2025 over the years, the National Biofuels Board (NBB) recommended suspending the shift to B4 and B5 in 2025 after international coconut oil prices surged by over 300% per metric ton.

Currently, the blend remains at B3 following the Department of Energy Advisory No. 2025-07-01, which suspended the scheduled increases to protect the economy from the potential spikes in biodiesel pump prices. 

“​The shift is no longer just an environmental goal but a national necessity. It is time to move to B5,” said Victor Gerardo Bulatao, Kaisahan representative to NSC on Coconut.

The manifesto will be endorsed to Senator Francis Pangilinan, Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform. The Committee agreed that increasing the coconut oil component in local diesel will reduce the country’s dependence on imported fuel while providing a stable market for millions of Filipino coconut farmers. 

Q1 policy resolutions and industry updates

Aside from the manifesto of support, the NSC on Coconut approved two other policy resolutions to establish the coconut sector as a cornerstone of the Philippine industrial economy:

• A  recommendation for the Office of the President to officially designate  the Coconut as the National Industrial Crop to optimize the government support for food, feed, and energy security.
• A call for the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), enhancement to allocate specific budgets for science-based R&D activities promoting coconut-based innovations. 

The PCA also presented a draft issuance, “Prioritizing the Use of Coconut-Based Products in All Government Functions, Projects, and Activities”.  This policy aims to institutionalize domestic demand, ensuring that the government leads by example in driving industry growth and sustainability. | Jezebel Campaniel

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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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DC No. 25, Series of 2025  titled “Guidelines on the Conduct of After-Sales Service Compliance Monitoring (ASSCM) and After-Sales Service Comparative Evaluation (ASSCE)” establishes detailed protocols for monitoring the compliance of Manufacturers, Fabricators, Assemblers, Distributors, Dealers, Importers, and Exporters (MFADDIES).  

Signed by Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., the Circular emphasizes a dual approach to ensure compliance and accountability. 

The ASSCM, which is an annual activity led by the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE) aimed to check if suppliers meet mandatory standards, such as maintaining a spare parts inventory equal to 10% of their average three-year sales.

In addition, the ASSCE, it is the verification process where BAFE and regional divisions interview end-users to confirm if the after-sales claims made by suppliers are actually being fulfilled in the field.

Under these protocols, all machinery must include a warranty card or certificate valid for at least one year. Furthermore, suppliers are mandated to respond to the complaints within three days of receipt. 

Notably, the definition of “supplier” under the DC now clearly includes fabricators and exporters, ensuring they are held to the same standards as larger manufacturers.

This is the result of a policy recommendation from the National Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization (CAFMech), titled: Recommending to the DA, through its Regional Field Offices (RFO) and BAFE, to monitor and ensure compliance with the provision of after -sales service by agricultural and fisheries machinery suppliers through the �����Ƶ.

In the recommendation, CAFMech emphasized the need for “on-site” technical support, noting that farmers in remote areas often struggle with idle machinery due to lack of available mechanics. The Committee’s push for these guidelines is part of the intensified 2027 modernization plan for the agri-machinery sector nationwide.

Failure to comply with these will now be categorized as a prohibited act under the Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Law, potentially leading to revocation of a supplier’s Certificate of Conformity. | Jezebel Campaniel

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The PCAFD is envisioned to improve multisectoral coordination, not only within the Department of Agriculture (DA) but also with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). It aims to bridge policy formulation and implementation by grounding programs in stakeholder inputs and field realities.

During the consultation, Ernesto Ordonez of Alyansa Agrikultura pointed out that the proposal was initiated by PCAF Chief Executive Officer and DA Undersecretary Philip C. Young. He further emphasized that the measure does not separate from PCAF but rather expands its mandate—from a purely consultative role to a more development-oriented function. He also underscored that pilot testing must be coordinated with the DA and implementing agencies to avoid duplication, and that the proposal for two Deputy Executive Directors should be clearly justified.

Stakeholders generally expressed support for the bill, while raising concerns on mandate clarity, research functions, pilot testing, and potential overlap with agencies, such as: the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC). Benedicto Alves of the Davao Regional Integrated Mango Agribusiness Council (DRIMACO) highlighted the importance of a scientific validation and industry analysis before pilot implementation to ensure sound policy decisions.

In response, PCAF Officer-in-Charge Deputy Executive Director Cyril Soliaban explained that the draft bill includes criteria for pilot testing and scaling, and establishes a Technical Review Committee, which will be detailed in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). Research, when necessary, may be commissioned to appropriate agencies, focusing on research for development (R4D) rather than duplicating academic mandates. He also stressed that PCAFD’s role will remain primarily coordinative and facilitative, consistent with existing laws, such as: the Sagip Saka Act.

The discussion also covered institutional capacity, funding, and governance mechanisms. Initial funding of Php 50 million is proposed for the first year, with succeeding budgets tied to a percentage of the PCAF allocation. Soliaban noted that pilot projects would require coordination and possible resource-sharing with implementing agencies. Provisions on monitoring, evaluation, and scaling frameworks are included to track implementation, lessons learned, and policy impact, while updates on policy resolutions are currently being consolidated and published on the PCAF website.

Stakeholders also emphasized the need for stronger civil society participation, full value-chain representation—including processors and exporters—market-linked and data-driven programs, and enhanced information dissemination at regional levels. There was broad agreement that the strengthened body should serve as an inclusive convergence platform linking farmers, processors, markets, and government institutions.

The consultation concluded with stakeholders expressing strong support for institutionalizing PCAF through legislation. The next steps include inter-agency calibration, refinement of the draft bill, presentation to the relevant Committee, securing endorsement from the Secretary of Agriculture, and formal submission to Congress for deliberation.| Jane Briña

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A different kind of harvest was gathered on February 10 to 11, 2026 in Quezon City. It was not one of grain or fish, but of raw, unfiltered feedback from the Civil Society Organizations (CSO) representing different regions of the country.

This occurred as the �����Ƶ (PCAF) convened the officers and members of the National Sectoral Committees (NSCs) and Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFCs) for the CSO Consultation on Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Plan and Budget Proposal, and Calendar Year (CY) 2025 Participatory Monitoring and Tracking (PMT) Results Workshop.

“At PCAF, we have always believed that consultations are never just a procedural step.  They serve as our vital check and balance, grounding our plans in real experiences, real challenges, and real aspirations. Most importantly, they reconnect us with the people we serve—and remind us why we do this work,” said PCAF Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos. 

For the first time, PCAF conducted the CSO Consultation and PMT Results workshop in the same week.  This strategic scheduling aimed to maximize the time, expertise, and insights of the NSCs, the AFCs, the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) Executive Officers, and RAFC Coordinators. 

Over the two-day activity, PCAF presented the agency’s FY 2027 Plan and Budget and CY 2025 PMT results, highlighting major findings, implementation progress, operational challenges, and best practices.

The Department of Agriculture’s (DA) National Banner Programs, including the National Rice Program, National Corn Program, High Value Crops Development Program, National Livestock Program, National Organic Agriculture Program, and Farm-to-Market Road Development Program, presented overviews of their objectives, salient features, strategies, and implementing guidelines.

This is to provide the members of the PMT with a clear understanding of the DA programs and aid them in the conduct of the monitoring and evaluation.  

Furthermore, the group reviewed the refined FY 2027 PCAF Plan and Budget, as well as the targets and schedules for FY 2026 PMT field monitoring and revalidation activities.

The consultation ultimately aimed to consolidate a matrix of recommended strategies and actions, including Gender and Development-responsive interventions, designated responsible units, and a feasible timeline.

OIC-Executive Director Cyril Soliaban emphasized that the activity moved beyond formal presentations. Participants engaged in “candid and heated discussions, but always honest and ultimately constructive,” making the activities both intense and productive.

Push for greater transparency and budget alignment

To deter irregularities, participants pushed for the strengthening of the role of RAFC Chairpersons as observers in the procurement and bidding processes.   

It was recommended that they be granted access to complete lists of qualified bidders and contractors from the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System registry to widen participation and limit preferential selection.

There was also a strong call to align Tier II proposals strictly with agency mandates. Participants also urged an increase in Municipal AFC budget allocations, as these Councils serve as the primary feedback mechanisms. 

In government budgeting, Tier I covers the baseline funding required to maintain existing programs and operations, while Tier II represents requested funding for new initiatives, expansions, or high-priority projects that exceed the current budget ceiling of an office.  

On the other hand, CSO representatives urged stakeholders to advocate for an increase in the PCAF budget ahead of its submission to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), specifically by ensuring that the agency’s Tier II proposal is incorporated into DA’s Tier I submission.

The participants were also urged to refine the monitoring standards. The review of PMT results led to a call for clearer, more measurable definitions of project statuses, specifically those under “underutilized” projects, to ensure more reliable decision-making and corrective action.

In the workshop, the NSCs and the AFCs reviewed the PMT questionnaire and provided suggestions for improvement. The Monitoring and Evaluation Section will consolidate these for PCAF management’s consideration.

Moreover, they requested updates on the Commodity Industry Roadmaps and suggested that future revisions be developed through “bottom-up” consultation to ensure that they capture and address actual sector needs.

The implementation of the Sagip Saka Program remains a priority as PCAF advocates for its budget to be included under Tier I to enhance the capacity of AFCs in their roles as Local Enterprise Development Councils.

The outputs of the consultation will be consolidated and incorporated into the PCAF FY 2027 PBP for submission to the DBM. | Jezebel Campaniel

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Private sector representatives, composed of the National Sectoral Committees (NSCs) and Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) Chairpersons and civil society leaders raised that the presentations often fail to reflect farmers’ actual conditions, as they focus on aggregate indicators rather than farmgate prices, production costs, and value chain distortions. It was emphasized that future presentations should start from the producers’ perspective and use clear, grounded language to avoid obscuring realities and further frustrating farmers.

Several council members stressed the need for clearer data presentation and stronger policy analysis. It was noted that despite reports seemingly showing positive performance, farmers’ sentiments indicate otherwise, citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority that 2025 agricultural output remains below the 2023 levels. The need to review current strategies, assess what has worked and what has not, and identify priority improvements moving forward was emphasized.

Also, NAF Council members underscored the adverse impact of reduced tariffs on major agri-fishery commodities like rice, corn, pork, and chicken on local industries. They called for the immediate reinstatement of the original tariff rates and expressed the private sector’s support for any Department of Agriculture’s (DA) initiative to restore stronger tariff protection, emphasizing the urgency of safeguarding farmers’ welfare.

In response, DA Undersecretary (USec) for Rice Industry Development Engr. Christopher Morales explained that while government interventions have improved yields, declining farmgate prices often offset productivity gains. He underscored the importance of managing supply and demand, noting that unrestricted imports continue to depress local prices. He added that DA is pursuing measures through the development of a new Rice Bill with the aim of managing import volumes and supporting price stability, among others.

Additionally, USec for Policy, Planning, and Regulations Atty. Asis Perez acknowledged the private sector’s support for restoring the original tariff rates for selected major agri-fishery commodities but clarified that the decision on the matter rests beyond the DA’s authority. He emphasized that improving farmer income requires a comprehensive approach, integrating import rationalization, productivity enhancement, and income-raising measures, as embodied in the proposed Rice Bill.

Then, issues on extension services and program implementation were raised and sought assurance that farm machinery distribution effectively meets farmers’ needs. On the regulation of online A&F related webinars, Agricultural Training Institute Director Engr. Remelyn Recoter clarified that the DA can only regulate accredited A&F extension providers, though policy reviews can be done to determine appropriate strategies that may help address the issue.

Budget utilization and program targeting were featured prominently in the discussion. Questions were raised on the unutilized funds, fertilizer subsidy coverage, and the need for stronger participatory monitoring. USec Perez affirmed the Department’s commitment to transparency and acknowledged that significant room for improvement remains, particularly in targeting and follow-through activities.

Emerging and cross-cutting issues were likewise highlighted, including inflation, food affordability, health risks from pesticide use, irrigation sustainability, dairy development, fisheries infrastructure, and coffee self-sufficiency. DA officials present during the meeting provided clarifications and committed to further reviews, policy refinement, and inter-agency coordination if necessary.

Representing DA Secretary and the presiding officer, USec for Operations, Agri-Fisheries Mechanization, and Rural Credit Engr. Roger Navarro emphasized the importance of collaboration between government and private stakeholders, noting recent improvements in mapping, network reporting, and monitoring systems. He reiterated the DA’s receptiveness to recommendations and the vital role of the NAF Council as a consultative platform.

Among the major highlights of the discussion was the recommendation by NSC and RAFC Chairpersons to increase PCAF’s budget for both stakeholder engagement and participatory monitoring activities, ensuring that private sector representatives can fully participate and contribute to program implementation. USec. Navarro noted that the DA can also facilitate regional engagement, and stakeholders may request coordination with regional offices for support as needed. USec Perez added that the DA will review the proposal and increase the budget accordingly, assessing the feasible allocation to maximize impact.

The open forum concluded with a renewed call for stronger monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and accountability, as the Council underscored the need to ensure that policies, budgets, and programs translate into tangible benefits for farmers, fishers, and the general public. | Junry Danila

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The �����Ƶ (PCAF) reaffirmed its commitment to building a strong and capable workforce as it formally welcomed two newly promoted officials during an oath taking ceremony held on February 9, 2026, in Quezon City.

PCAF Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos administered the oath of office to Catherine Viray and Maria Belen Milanes, marking their assumption of higher leadership roles within the agency. Viray was promoted to Development Management Officer (DMO) V and will lead the Partnership Development Division (PDD), while Milanes advanced to DMO IV and will serve under the Policy Development and Coordination Division (PDCD).

As head of the PDD, Viray will spearhead initiatives to mobilize volunteers and stakeholders in support of agriculture and fisheries modernization. Her division’s responsibilities include broadening stakeholder engagement to ensure diverse and meaningful representation in policy-making; building cross-sector partnerships to raise public awareness and enhance service delivery; strengthen community participation; and providing capacity-building and local-level technical and administrative support to consultative bodies.

Meanwhile, Milanes will serve as Assistant Division Chief in the Policy Development and Coordination Division (PDCD). Her division is responsible for providing technical leadership and policy support to national-level stakeholders, as well as analyzing agricultural and fisheries policies and directives to address emerging issues and future sectoral challenges. It also coordinates strategic research and policy studies, generates evidence-based inputs for consultations. In this role, Milanes will help oversee the implementation of key regulatory and evaluation systems, including the Constructors Performance Evaluation System (CPES) and the National Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers, Distributors, and Dealers Accreditation and Classification (NAMDAC).

The ceremony was witnessed by OIC–Deputy Executive Director Cyril Soliaban, PDCD Chief Sarah Bales, OIC–Administrative and Financial Management Division Chief Marisa Lo, and Human Resource and Development Section Chief Braulio Castro. Also present was MIMAROPA Regional Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFC) Chairperson Alfonso J. Esguerra Jr., who paid a courtesy visit to PCAF. | Jane Briña

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