The Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) convened the Mindanao A Cluster for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Participatory Performance Review and Planning Workshop on October 21-24, 2025 at the De Luxe Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City.
Through its Planning and Programming Section under the Planning, Monitoring and Knowledge Management Division, the activity gathered the Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC) Chairpersons and Secretariat-Coordinators from the Regional, Provincial, City, and selected Municipal AFC levels, accounting and budget officers from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Offices in Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao and CARAGA Regions as well as the Provincial and City Agriculturists to evaluate accomplishments, address challenges, and co-create future plans for the agri-fishery sector.
The four-day workshop, aligned with the DA’s and PCAF’s thrust for inclusive and participatory governance, served as a platform for the AFCs and other stakeholders to assess performance, share best practices, and collaborate on strategies to localize national policies, particularly the Sagip Saka Act of 2019 and the PCAF Strategic Plan 2026–2031.
Additionally, notable accomplishments and success stories from the three regions were highlighted and the AFCs’ physical and financial performance were also presented prior to the conduct of the workshop sessions.
Leading the AFCs in their respective regions were Ms. Nilda Salas, RAFC Chairperson of Northern Mindanao; Mr. Christopher Lindo, RAFC Chairperson of CARAGA and Mr. Raul Ramon Bucoy, HUCAFC Chairperson of Zamboanga City, representing RAFC Region 9.
In her opening message, Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos underscored the importance of grassroots participation in shaping agricultural and fisheries policies. She highlighted that “real progress happens when planning and decision-making begin at the community level where our farmers and fisherfolk truly understand their needs and challenges.”
The workshop featured two major sessions: the first was Integrating the Sagip Saka Act into PCAF Planning and Budgeting. Executive Assistant and Chief of the Administrative, Financial, and Management Division Cyril Soliaban briefly discussed the roles of PCAF and AFCs as stipulated in the said Act. Afterwards, the participants discussed ways to institutionalize direct market linkages between farmers, fisherfolk, and consumers, promoting more inclusive and sustainable agri-enterprises.
The second workshop focused on Localizing the PCAF Strategic Plan, Managing Risks, and Co-Creating the FY 2027 Plan and Budget Proposal. Delegates contributed local insights to align the PCAF Strategic Plan with regional priorities and the evolving agricultural landscape.
As part of the planning and budgeting process, PCAF’s Chief Accountant, Maria Divina Gonzales, and Budget Officer Engr. Jose Redentor Besenio discussed the status of fund liquidation by region (from 2021 to 2025) and budget imperatives for FY 2025, respectively
Representatives from the three regions shared their respective workshop outputs, reflecting the unique regional challenges and innovative approaches to implementation. The participants identified key issues and formulated gender-responsive strategies to improve operational efficiency and program impact.
Representing Zamboanga Peninsula Region, Zamboanga City Agriculturist Arben Magdugo highlighted the conduct of Gawad Salakot Awards that recognizes the outstanding contributions of farmers and fisherfolk in the city. The local government unit (LGU) provided logistical support, plaques of recognition and cash prizes to the winners.
For the Northern Mindanao Region, Misamis Oriental Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Benjamin Resma presented the continuous LGU support to AFC consultation meetings and capacity development activities. Also, Ruth Panerio of Iligan City Agriculture Office reported the “One Barangay, One Product” initiatives of the LGU whose implementation and monitoring is being conducted by the AFCs.
Meanwhile, PAFC Coordinator Fritzieh Trujillo of Surigao del Sur, representing the Caraga Region, discussed the continuous dialogues and orientations of AFC with the local chief executives. The dialogues resulted in the inclusion of budget allocation for AFC operations in the Annual Investment Plan of the province and municipalities in the area.
Through group discussions and planning exercises, the regional groupings produced validated inputs for the FY 2026 Operational Plan and Budget, as well as recommendations for the upcoming FY 2027–2029 Plan and Budget Proposal. The outputs included documented best practices, risk management strategies, and proposed actions to strengthen AFC operations and partnerships with LGUs.
The workshop also served as a venue to communicate the FY 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) for PCAF and to gather stakeholder inputs on the efficient implementation of key programs. The activity emphasized the Joint DILG-DA Memorandum Circular No. 1, series of 2025, which calls for full support of AFCs as vital partners in local development planning.
OIC-Chief of the Partnership Development Division Catherine Viray, in her closing message, expressed gratitude to the participants for their active engagement and reaffirmed PCAF’s commitment to sustaining a participatory approach in agricultural governance. “Our collective insights today lay the groundwork for more resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking agri-fishery programs,” she said.
By integrating national policies with local realities, the FY 2025 Mindanao A Participatory Performance Review and Planning Workshop strengthened collaboration among stakeholders in advancing the DA’s vision of a food-secure and resilient Philippines. The event demonstrated that inclusive planning and local empowerment remain central to building a sustainable agricultural future.| Junry Danila
