PCAF leads first NCI-SRD Policy and Advocacy Working Group meeting for 2025, endorses key rural development resolutions - Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries

Posted on February 19, 2025

*NCI-SRD PA CWG meets to review policy resolutions rural development and organization improvement*

The Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) spearheaded the first meeting of the National Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development (NCI-SRD) Policy and Advocacy Component Working Group (PA CWG) for 2025 on February 7 at the PCAF Apacible Hall A in Quezon City.

*PCAF OIC-Executive Director and NCI-SRD PA CWG Chairperson facilitates the discussion of policy resolutions*

PCAF, the policy-making arm of the Department of Agriculture (DA), was designated as the lead agency for the PA CWG. Chaired by PCAF OIC Executive Director Julieta Opulencia, the meeting was attended by representatives from various government agencies involved in the NCI-SRD.

The NCI-SRD is a strategic partnership among four key government departments—the DA, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). These agencies work together to address poverty and promote sustainable development in rural areas, focusing on improving the lives of farmers, fishers, and upland communities.

*PA CWG reviews CADP policy resolutions*

During the meeting, the PA CWG reviewed and endorsed seven policy resolutions, including the approval of several Convergence Area Development Plans (CADPs) and recommendations for organizational improvements.

The group also discussed apparent, conflicting and overlapping laws, policies and programs that could hinder the effective implementation of the NCI-SRD. It was agreed that further reviews and comments would be provided on these policies in the next meeting.

The PA CWG agreed to organize an activity in March 2025 to update the Joint Administrative Order, inviting all concerned agencies and representatives to ensure coordinated efforts in rural development. To strengthen interagency collaboration, the PA CWG recommended intensifying coordination with member agencies to ensure their participation in future NCI-SRD meetings and activities.

Group photo after the first NCI-SRD PA CWG meeting for 2025

The second PA CWG meeting is set to take place on March 7, 2025, at the DA Central Office, where further discussions on rural development policies and programs through coordinated efforts and integrated service delivery are expected to continue. | Joy Camille Luza

Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries

1 week ago

#PCAFStories | The PCAF held a series of activities to reinforce the government’s commitment to empowering farmers and fisherfolk and strengthening agricultural governance through participatory mechanisms. On February 13, 2025, the agency facilitated the dialogue between the 16 Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) Chairpersons and Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary for Operations Engr. Roger Navarro. The dialogue, held in the agency's conference room in Quezon City, provided a venue for the RAFC leaders to raise pressing concerns specific to their localities. Usec. Navarro encouraged the RAFC Chairpersons to prepare their respective AFC Plan and Budget Proposals in coordination with their Regional Executive Offices (REOs) and RAFC Coordinators. He urged them to submit these proposals to PCAF, the DA-Regional Field Offices (DA-RFOs), and his office by February 28, 2025.A day earlier, PCAF held a meeting with the RAFC Chairpersons to assess and enhance the Farmer-Director Program. The program enables the 16 RAFC Chairpersons to assume the role of the Farmer-Regional Executive Directors (FRED) for one month. It aims to strengthen the partnership between the private and the government sector towards the development of the agriculture and fisheries industries.The session began with a presentation of the program’s 2024 accomplishments, showcasing its impact on strengthening farmer leadership and participation in agricultural decision-making.A focal point of the activity was the review of existing guidelines governing the Farmer-Director Program. RAFC Chairpersons, together with PCAF officials, examined current policies and explored proposals aimed at ensuring greater efficiency and inclusivity in the program’s implementation.Following the discussion, a workshop was conducted to provide RAFC Chairpersons an opportunity to plan their agenda as they prepared to step into their roles as farmer-directors. This session facilitated the alignment of their objectives with national agricultural policies and programs.Key concerns were also brought to the table, including the monitoring of DA programs and projects, the endorsement of policy resolutions from AFC meetings and stakeholders’ conferences, and the organization of commodity boards under the DA. Visit www.pcaf.da.gov.ph Text and photos by Bernard Masa ... See MoreSee Less

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