Key challenges confronting the agriculture and fisheries (A&F) sectors, including farmers incomes, tariff policies, budget effectiveness, and data integrity, were extensively discussed during the National Agriculture and Fisheries (NAF) Council Meeting held on February 9, 2026 in Sequoia Hotel, Quezon City.
Private sector representatives, composed of the National Sectoral Committees (NSCs) and Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) Chairpersons and civil society leaders raised that the presentations often fail to reflect farmers’ actual conditions, as they focus on aggregate indicators rather than farmgate prices, production costs, and value chain distortions. It was emphasized that future presentations should start from the producers’ perspective and use clear, grounded language to avoid obscuring realities and further frustrating farmers.
Several council members stressed the need for clearer data presentation and stronger policy analysis. It was noted that despite reports seemingly showing positive performance, farmers’ sentiments indicate otherwise, citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority that 2025 agricultural output remains below the 2023 levels. The need to review current strategies, assess what has worked and what has not, and identify priority improvements moving forward was emphasized.
Also, NAF Council members underscored the adverse impact of reduced tariffs on major agri-fishery commodities like rice, corn, pork, and chicken on local industries. They called for the immediate reinstatement of the original tariff rates and expressed the private sector’s support for any Department of Agriculture’s (DA) initiative to restore stronger tariff protection, emphasizing the urgency of safeguarding farmers’ welfare.
In response, DA Undersecretary (USec) for Rice Industry Development Engr. Christopher Morales explained that while government interventions have improved yields, declining farmgate prices often offset productivity gains. He underscored the importance of managing supply and demand, noting that unrestricted imports continue to depress local prices. He added that DA is pursuing measures through the development of a new Rice Bill with the aim of managing import volumes and supporting price stability, among others.
Additionally, USec for Policy, Planning, and Regulations Atty. Asis Perez acknowledged the private sector’s support for restoring the original tariff rates for selected major agri-fishery commodities but clarified that the decision on the matter rests beyond the DA’s authority. He emphasized that improving farmer income requires a comprehensive approach, integrating import rationalization, productivity enhancement, and income-raising measures, as embodied in the proposed Rice Bill.
Then, issues on extension services and program implementation were raised and sought assurance that farm machinery distribution effectively meets farmers’ needs. On the regulation of online A&F related webinars, Agricultural Training Institute Director Engr. Remelyn Recoter clarified that the DA can only regulate accredited A&F extension providers, though policy reviews can be done to determine appropriate strategies that may help address the issue.
Budget utilization and program targeting were featured prominently in the discussion. Questions were raised on the unutilized funds, fertilizer subsidy coverage, and the need for stronger participatory monitoring. USec Perez affirmed the Department’s commitment to transparency and acknowledged that significant room for improvement remains, particularly in targeting and follow-through activities.
Emerging and cross-cutting issues were likewise highlighted, including inflation, food affordability, health risks from pesticide use, irrigation sustainability, dairy development, fisheries infrastructure, and coffee self-sufficiency. DA officials present during the meeting provided clarifications and committed to further reviews, policy refinement, and inter-agency coordination if necessary.
Representing DA Secretary and the presiding officer, USec for Operations, Agri-Fisheries Mechanization, and Rural Credit Engr. Roger Navarro emphasized the importance of collaboration between government and private stakeholders, noting recent improvements in mapping, network reporting, and monitoring systems. He reiterated the DA’s receptiveness to recommendations and the vital role of the NAF Council as a consultative platform.
Among the major highlights of the discussion was the recommendation by NSC and RAFC Chairpersons to increase PCAF’s budget for both stakeholder engagement and participatory monitoring activities, ensuring that private sector representatives can fully participate and contribute to program implementation. USec. Navarro noted that the DA can also facilitate regional engagement, and stakeholders may request coordination with regional offices for support as needed. USec Perez added that the DA will review the proposal and increase the budget accordingly, assessing the feasible allocation to maximize impact.
The open forum concluded with a renewed call for stronger monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and accountability, as the Council underscored the need to ensure that policies, budgets, and programs translate into tangible benefits for farmers, fishers, and the general public. | Junry Danila
