“Think, refocus, and align our efforts to the goals and targets based on the Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary’s thrusts and priorities, anchored on ‘Para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas’ 2024-2028 Plan”.

This was the message of Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) OIC Deputy Executive Director Cyril Soliaban as he encouraged the agency’s officials and staff to focus and align their targets with DA’s five-year plan, focusing on “strong partnership with farmers, fisherfolk, private sector, and other stakeholders” during the blended Fiscal Year 2025 Direction Setting and General Assembly on January 13, 2025, in Quezon City.

The direction setting aims to identify priorities and allocate resources based on the agency’s mandate and plan while outlining the steps needed and involving the entire workforce to ensure the attainment of the targets.

More than 140 PCAF employees joined the assembly to review their respective divisions’ accomplishments in 2024 and set clear goals for 2025. 

Among the top concerns discussed by OIC Executive Director Julieta Opulencia in her directives is the strict adherence to the monthly disbursement program to address budget constraints and lapses. 

It was also mentioned that procurement savings and unused balances will be at the discretion of management. This will enable the agency to allocate the unused budget from other operating units to conduct other priority programs and projects.

To enhance technical support for the agency’s Consultative Bodies, particularly in planning and financial matters, ED Opulencia directed the Human Resource Development Committee to strengthen its support for the agency’s employees. This includes providing advance notice of scheduled training sessions and workshops, allowing employees to adjust their schedules and focus on the training.

“This 2025, PCAF will continue to support and strengthen our Consultative Bodies. We will also conduct an operational meeting with Undersecretary Roger Navarro and the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council Chairpersons before the National Agriculture and Fisheries (NAF) Council to discuss the needs of the AFCs,” said OIC ED Opulencia.

Aside from area-wide and regional efforts such as the AFC congresses, PCAF will institutionalize the conduct of national summits, in partnership with DA Regional Field Offices and the DA Banner Programs. 

“There are also ongoing talks about the creation of Commodity Boards and the Terms of Reference will hopefully be finalized this January,” she added.

These and the other agreements reached during the activity will serve as PCAF’s guide throughout the year, aiming to contribute to a sustainable and developed Philippine agriculture. | Jezebel Campaniel