“As we reflect on the achievements and challenges in the past months, we seek your invaluable insights to shape our future direction. We have to chart a course or plan for 2025 and focus on what our region specifically needs,” said Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) OIC Deputy Executive Director (OIC DED) Cyril Soliaban.

Addressing more than 70 Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC) officials and members from Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and CARAGA regions, OIC DED Soliaban welcomed the agency’s private sector partners at the Mindanao A Participatory Performance Review and Planning Workshop on August 27 to 30, 2024 in Butuan City. 

The three-day activity aimed to enhance collaboration between PCAF and the AFCs from the three regions by promoting open and creative discussion.

OIC DED Soliaban highlighted the expertise and experiences of the AFCs as crucial contributions in ensuring that the agri-fishery-related policies are aligned and advantageous to all stakeholders.

Led by the Regional AFC (RAFC) Chairpersons of the three regions, the participants presented their significant accomplishments and budget utilization for Fiscal Year 2024. The Planning, Monitoring and Knowledge Management Division (PMKMD) also shared the AFC’s achievements categorized by programs, activities, and projects, as well as updates on past issues and concerns.

The activity included discussions on the results of the participatory monitoring and tracking (PMT), the updates on the Intensified Community-based Dairy Enterprise Development project, and the financial status of fund liquidation and budget requirements..

PCAF also facilitated a workshop among the AFCs to assess past performances and identify areas for growth and development in their respective sectors. The AFCs discussed strategies for policy actions, stakeholder engagement, partnership development, capacity enhancement, fund allocation, and membership expansion. 

As a result of the workshop, the participants  proposed recommendations and agreements which aimed at improving the performance and collaboration of the AFCs and PCAF in the three regions. These include strengthening participatory mechanisms, addressing financial challenges, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and developing targeted strategies for the agriculture and fisheries sector.

The activity is the first of six areawide performance reviews and planning workshops of PCAF and its consultative bodies in 2024. | Jezebel Campaniel