As part of the closing ceremony of the National Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month (NFFM) on May 27, 2024, the Department of Agriculture (DA) recognized the contribution and commitment of the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) Chairpersons, who assumed the role of Farmer Regional Executive Director (FRED) at the DA-Regional Field Offices of the entire month of May.
With the theme “Magsasaka at Mangingisda, Katuwang tungo sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas!”, the NFFM aims to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of the Filipino farmers and fisherfolk in achieving food security and nation-building, as per Presidential Proclamation No. 33, issued on May 21, 1989.
To cap off the activity, the Department honored the outstanding farmers, fisherfolk, organizations, and farmer-leaders for their work and contribution to the industry.
Among the awarded farmer-leaders are the RAFC Chairpersons, who served as FRED in their respective regions. The RAFC Chairpersons who were present in the activity received a certificate and mock cheque worth 50 thousand pesos.
- Cordillera Administrative Region Chairperson Ryan Palunan
- Ilocos Region Chairperson Benjamin Campañano, Jr.
- CALABARZON Chairperson Flordeliza Maleon
- Bicol Region Chairperson Bernadette Delos Santos
- Western Visayas Chairperson Grace Cenas
- Zamboanga Peninsula Chairperson Nilda Salas
- Davao Region Chairperson Epifanio Loyola, Jr.
- CARAGA Chairperson Christopher Lindo
- Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Chairperson Salik Panalunsong
On the other hand, the certificate and mock cheque will be sent to Cagayan Valley Region Chairperson Dante Tobias, Central Luzon Chairperson Onesimo Romano, MIMAROPA Region Chairperson Alfonso Esguerra, Jr., Eastern Visayas Region Chairperson, Engr. Miguel Pedroso, and SOCCSKSARGEN Region Chairperson Florante Racosas who were not able to attend due to their FRED commitments.
“Ang Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month ay panahon ng paggunita sa malalim na halaga ng katapatan at determinasyon sa ating mga pagsisikap bilang mga lingkod-bayan. Our farmers and fishers are vital to our nation’s economic progress. Their work allows us to confront the challenges of the global marketplace even as it powers rural growth,” said Undersecretary for Operations, Engr. Roger Navarro.
Usec. Navarro also focused on the policy commitment of the current administration to boost the agriculture sector through the Bagong Pilipinas campaign which is dedicated to forging a resilient nation with a robust economy and a secure future for younger generations.
On the other hand, Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food Chairperson, Senator Cynthia Villar acknowledged the farmers’ and fisherfolk’s crucial role in the nation-building. She also gave updates on the legislation that she has been facilitating over the decade as the chair of the said committee.
She mentioned that recently, the Senate passed the Act which intends to repeal the seven-year Republic Act No. 10845, otherwise known as the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016.
In a news release from the Senate of the Philippines, it was reported that President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. saw the need to immediately pass the measure by certifying it as urgent, citing the rising prices of agricultural products caused by hoarding, smuggling, and other illegal activities.
On behalf of Congressman and Chairperson of the House Committee on Agriculture and Food Wilfredo Mark Enverga, DA Undersecretary for High Value Crops Cheryl Marie Caballero read his massage of commitment to ensure legislative support for the farmers and fisherfolk. | Jezebel Campaniel
