Posted on

PRESS RELEASE

RAFC Chairperson Ryan Palunan and PCAF OIC Julieta Opulencia talk about the Luzon Stakeholders Conference at the PIA CAR’s Kapihan Sa Bagong Pilipinas. (PIA CAR Facebook)

Baguio City (18 June 2024) – The Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF), in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office in Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-RFO-CAR), will hold the Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFC) Luzon Stakeholders Conference from June 19 to 21, 2024 in Baguio City. 

With the theme “Bridging Gaps: Connecting Producers to Markets for Sustainable Rural Development,” the event aims to convene over 200 AFC volunteer leaders, regional executive officers, coordinators, and provincial agriculturists from Luzon. 

The AFC Stakeholders Conference is a platform for farmer and fisher leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue concerning local industry challenges and advancements. 

Throughout the three-day conference, participants will engage in workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities to strengthen the AFC’s impact at the community level. 

The event will also seek commitments from local chief executives and provincial agriculturists to support AFC initiatives across Luzon. Keynote speaker Atty. Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra, Assistant Secretary for Legislative, Department Legislative Liaison Office, and Consumer Affairs, will deliver the opening message on behalf of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. 

The event will also feature presentations from key officials such as Livestock Undersecretary Deogracias V. Savellano, Dr. Karen Kristine Roscom of the National Convergence Secretariat, and Trinidad Carlos, Market Specialist from the Agribusiness and Marketing Service, who will provide updates on departmental programs and initiatives. 

“This conference underscores our commitment to empowering AFC volunteers and enhancing their collaboration with local leaders,” said Julieta Opulencia, PCAF OIC-Executive Director.

PCAF, an attached agency of DA, facilitates inclusive policy decision making within the agri-fishery sector. 

Similar conferences are scheduled for Iloilo City in August for the Visayas region and Cotabato City later in the year for Mindanao.  | PDD Chief Melinda Quiñones

 

About PCAF: 

The Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) is mandated to promote participatory policy decision-making in the agri-fishery sector. With over 800,000 individual and organizational members nationwide, PCAF represents a diverse community of farmer and fisher volunteers committed to sustainable rural development.