In an effort to highlight the invaluable contributions of the volunteer-partners in Eastern Visayas, the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) conducted its Lakbay Panayam across the region from March 31 to April 5, 2025.
The activity captured the unique experiences of Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC) and National Sectoral Committee (NSC) officials and members, specifically in the context of volunteerism and participatory governance in the region’s agriculture and fisheries sectors.
During the week-long Lakbay Panayam, the team visited three municipalities and four cities, focusing on the stories and best practices of seven AFCs and one NSC. The initiative aimed to showcase the contributions of these volunteer-partners, as well as the experiences of marginalized sectors—including women and youth—within the industry.
The interviews featured the following individuals:
- Regional AFC (RAFC) Chairperson Engr. Miguel Pedroso
- Leyte Provincial AFC (PAFC) Chairperson Jorge Alvero
- Leyte, Leyte Municipal AFC (MAFC) Chairperson Jeremias Medalla
- Ormoc City Independent-Component City AFC (ICCAFC) Chairperson Conceso Cabiling
- Ormoc City women-leader Gina Terando
- Victoria, Northern Samar women-leader Martha Cadano
- Eastern Samar PAFC Chairperson Regalado Opeña
- NSC on Coffee and Cacao member Marcia Eleuterio Esperas III
Following the Eastern Visayas leg, the team is also scheduled to visit the regions of Central Visayas and Zamboanga Peninsula for the third year of Lakbay Panayam. | Jezebel Campaniel
