InIn thisthis issue...issue...

> PCAF employees convene for Agency Performance Management System...... 2 > 2019 Farmer-Director program...... 3 > Policymaking and Engagement Competency Workshop for AFCs...... 4 > AFC orientations of newly recruited members...... 5 > Industry stakeholders recommend DA FY 2020 proposed plan & budget...... 7 > PCAF celebrates ANIMversary...... 8 ISSN 1656-7277 Volume 5 No.2 April to June 2019

PCAF, PCA collaborate for 2019 National Coconut Summit Almost 200 coconut stakeholders several development programs like President Rodrigo Duterte with “a from the private and government coconut replanting, fertilization, conclusion that it may have violated sectors participated in the 1st National scholarship program for deserving the Constitution and lacked vital Coconut Summit held on June 20, children of coconut farmers, research safeguards to avoid the repetition of 2019 in City. and development, establishment of the painful mistakes committed in the The summit, a collaboration a coconut farmers’ bank, and other p a s t ”. between the Philippine Council investments. During PCAF consultations for Agriculture and Fisheries However, the funds were diverted conducted on March 19, 2019, coconut (PCAF) and the Philippine Coconut into projects unrelated to its original stakeholders agreed to consolidate Authority (PCA), aimed to come purpose, that is for the development their positions on the proposed bills up with a unified and harmonized of the coconut industry. Numerous of the congress, thus the realization coconut stakeholders’ position on the legislative actions and proposals were of the 1st National Coconut Summit utilization and management of the filed in the past congresses for the 2019. coconut levy funds. utilization and management of the “We are here because we need to Republic Act No. 6260 also known coconut levy fund. unite and agree on one position! That as the Coconut Investment Act was Recently, the enrolled bill which position should be the best option enacted for the imposition of the was endorsed by the 17th Congress for the development of the coconut coconut stabilization levy to finance of the Philippines was vetoed by Turn to page 4 facebook.com/DA.PCAF e-Newsletter Follow Visit www.pcaf.da.gov.ph On the e-Infographics us on: twitter.com/da_pcaf us on: Web: e-Express PCAF employees convene towards a more enhanced Agency Performance Management System

PCAF employees listen to Dir. Lacaba (right) as she explains PRIME-HRM during the agency’s Workshop on crafting and harmonization of rating scale for DPCR and IPCR and PRIME-HRM. In line with optimizing the With Civil Service Commission activities to their subordinates. This agency’s management system towards (CSC) Field Director for DA and practice is integral to crafting the effectively delivering its mandate DENR Fe Lacaba serving as resource Individual Development Plan (IDP) for the local agriculture and fishery person, PCAF officials and personnel which is likewise a key aspect in the sector, PCAF conducted a two-day were briefed on the details of the implementation of SPMS in an agency. workshop for the enhancement and Strategic Performance Management As response, PCAF’s Performance harmonization of rating scale for System (SPMS), in which the DPCRs, Management Team (PMT), headed Division and Individual Performance IPCRs and the Office Performance by OIC-Deputy Executive Director Commitment and Review (DPCR Commitment and Review (OPCRs) (DED) Daroya, informed the and IPCR) forms, and orientation on form a vital aspect of the system. participants that the agency shall the Program to Institute Meritocracy According to Dir. Lacaba, be conducting the aforementioned and Excellence in Human Resource implementing a sound SPMS in Coaching and Mentoring activity as Management (PRIME-HRM), on May an organization would enable part of addressing the requirements 9 to 10, 2019 in San Mateo, . identification of activities which are set in the SPMS. Involved in the two-day activity essential in achieving performance Supplementing the discussion on were the Agency’s top management led goals. She further stressed that SPMS, Dir. Lacaba also briefed on the by Executive Director Sarah Gutierrez- management should ensure that work details of the PRIME-HRM, which is Cayona, OIC-Deputy Executive assignments and activities given to a human resource management tool. Director Alexander Daroya, Division a particular employee significantly She also added that PCAF has been Chiefs Estrella Tulay of PMKMD, contribute to optimizing the chosen as one of the government Julieta Opulencia of PDCD, Elgie performance of an agency. agencies that will be assisted by the Namia of PDD and Fidelia Andres of “Kailangan maensure natin (as CSC in achieving Level 2 status. AFMD, and senior staff composed of management), na ang ginagawa ng “Isa kayo sa napili na kailangan Assistant Division and Section Chiefs, bawat empleyado ay contributory in i-assist ko para maipasa ‘yung Level as well as selected personnel from the attainment of the organization, 2 indicators. Kung maipasa natin ito different PCAF Operating Units. division or unit performance goals. ay magkakroon kayo ng benefit which In her opening message, PCAF Dapat naka-align tayo. Kasi kung is magkakaroon kayo ng authority Exec. Dir. Gutierrez-Cayona noted that hindi ay kahit gaano ka-busy ang tao sa to act on your own appointment. proper crafting of the agency’s DPCRs isang ahensiya pero kung ang ginagawa Ibig sabihin, ang maaapprove na ng and IPCRs would optimize the work ay wala namang kwenta, ibig sabihin appointment ninyo is your appointing assignments of each PCAF Operating ay hindi ‘yan nakakacontribute,” said authority. Dadalhin na lang ang mga Unit and staff in contributing to the Dir. Lacaba. ito sa CSC for monitoring and post- progress and growth of the local During the course of the two- evaluation,” said Dir. Lacaba. agriculture industry. day activity, PCAF Operating Units, OIC-DED Daroya also mentioned “Making an efficient set of DPCRs guided by their respective Division that this activity seeks to enhance and IPCRs is essential for PCAF, as Chiefs, modified and presented their the image of PCAF as a model it would identify whether we, as an DPCRs and IPCRs for critiquing and agency for the Strategic Performance organization has been effectively soliciting feedback for improving Management System (SPMS) and discharging our duties and tasks in the content of their respective PRIME-HRM, in which PCAF seeks line with our mission, that is towards Performance forms. to attain Level 2 accreditation within enhancement of participatory and In turn, Dir. Lacaba provided FY 2019. collaborative governance, alongside valuable inputs towards enhancing “Let us work together para those in the private sector, in the not only the DPCRs and IPCRs of maattain natin ang Level 2 status attainment of creating policies aimed the agency, but also for its SPMS as of accreditation for PRIME-HRM. at developing the country’s agriculture she recommended supervisors to Together, we are looking to achieve and fishery sector,” she said. perform Coaching and Mentoring that by year’s end,” he said. AE 2 PCAF QUARTERLY April to June 2019 RAFC Chairpersons renew commitment as DA Regional Execs thru 2019 Farmer-Director program REDs shall conduct RAFC Sectoral Meetings in which they will serve as presiding officers, aside from monitoring programs and projects of their respective RFOs. Thru this activity, it will enable the DA’s Regional heads to identify issues and concerns about the agri-fishery sector in their jurisdiction, and the possible recommendatory actions to address such. This annual activity is in recognition of the vital role of the Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFCs) as a formal body in deliberating key issues and formulation of policy recommendations aimed at the crafting of policy reforms and legislation that are beneficial to the welfare of the country’s farming and fishing industries. Thru the AFCs, it enables the state Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) Chairpersons assume their role and the private sector to forge a strong as Farmer-Directors of Department of Agriculture Regional Field Offices (DA-RFOs) linkage in developing the agriculture nationwide at the start of the Farmers and Fisherfolk Month on May 2019. (source: Partnership Development Division) and fisheries sector at the regional, provincial, and municipal levels. With the aim of enhancing Under this set-up, the RAFC By the Farmer-Director program, it collaboration between the government Chairs shall serve as head of DA- empowers the representation of the and private sector, DA has designated RFOs in which they shall be in charge AFCs which are its Chairpersons, to be anew Regional Agricultural and of implementing key programs of the significant contributors and partners Fishery Council (RAFC) Chairpersons Department in their respective areas in local agricultural development as Executive Directors of DA Regional of jurisdiction. through this sound participatory Field Offices (DA-RFOs) for the whole As not to conflict with civil service process. of May 2019. rules and regulations, the Farmer- In this regard, PCAF, which This is in line with the DA’s Directors’ nature of work has been serves as the facilitator of the AFCs Memorandum Order issued last limited to non-policy determining nationwide, expressed gratitude for March 2017 which installs RAFC activities such as presiding involving the AFC Chairs in the Chairpersons to assume the roles and Management Committee (ManCom) Farmer-Director program. “I am responsibilities of DA REDs under meetings and holding dialogues with thankful to all DA Regional Executive the Farmer-Director program which Local Government Units (LGUs) in Directors for allowing the RAFCs to is being observed annually alongside consultation with the respective DA serve the agri-fishery communities the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s month RED in the area, among others. in their localities thru this program,” during May of each year. During the same period, the DA said PCAF Executive Director Sarah Gutierrez-Cayona. AE RAFC Chairpersons as Farmer-Director Accomplishments Cordillera Autonomous Region Agriculture and Fisheries Council, He also participated in a Special Balbina Ernesto a tree planting and clean up drive Meeting on the Draft of Implementing As a Farmer-Director, she together with the City Veterinary Guidelines of the Pantawid Saka attended different project turnover Office. Program 2019-2022, with the and trade fairs. Some of the projects recommendation that all farmers be that she attended were the Bakun Region 2- Valley Region eligible beneficiaries of PhP2,000 cash Project Turnover which includes the Isidro Acosta assistance per cropping season as fuel unveiling ceremony of Tuangan-Lanas RAFC Chairperson Acosta subsidy. The source of fund will be the Farm to Market Road sub-project attended several consultative and taxes collected from the Train Law. and blessing of the improved Langew management meetings during his Irrigation with Dry Riprap Protection stint as Farmer-Director. In one of the Region 3- sub-project. Municipal Agriculturists’ meeting of Engr. Francisco Hernandez As part of the Farmers’ and the Province of , he requested RAFC Chairperson Hernandez Fisherfolks’ month celebration, RAFC the support of the Municipal conducted several activities as Chairperson Ernesto led, along with Agriculturists in the upcoming AFC Farmer-Director. These include the the Baguio Highly Urbanized City Election on July 2019. Turn to page 6 PCAF QUARTERLY April to June 2019 3 PCAF, PCA collaborate... from page 1 industry and the organization of the Secretary of the Department of acquired through or otherwise funded coconut farmers who today are the Agriculture for endorsement to the by the coco levy and even those assets most marginalized members of the Office of the Presidential Legislative under litigation. agriculture sector”, emphasized by Liaison Officer and the Office of the For the representation of coconut PCAF Exec. Director Sarah Gutierrez- President. farmers, it was proposed that Cayona during her opening remarks. Among the items pointed out representatives must be per region and Meanwhile, PCA OIC- by Royandoyan are the following: not by island groupings. A coconut Administrator Glenn Santos perpetuity of the trust fund; farmer from underscored the importance of disposition and utilization of the cited that for equal representation, one the summit. He then expressed his fund over privatization of assets; factor to be considered in nominating gratefulness for being part of the representation of coconut farmers representative is the covered area of activity that focuses on “pagtalakay at in the trust fund committee; and the coconut produce. pagbalangkas ng lehislatibong aksyon management of the fund committee On the proposed supervision of para sa industriya ng niyog”. under the Office of the President. the fund committee, the participants The coconut industry has been On the first item, the body agreed agreed that the Office of the President waiting for a legislative action that will that the coco levy fund shall be treated should have the sole authority in the finally address the serious concerns as a special fund where its validity is management and administration of of the sector using the coconut levy perpetual and should not be limit to the fund. A provision relative to the fund. PCAF Interim Chairperson for a certain period as indicated in the Magna Carta of Women was also the Committee on Coconut Romeo enrolled bill. considered, wherein rural women “Ka Ome” Royandoyan presented the The next item discussed was should also be represented in the different versions of bills endorsed the disposition and utlization of nomination of fund committee by various lawmakers in the past coco levy assets versus the proposed members. congresses. privatization of the assets. The The summit also invited Afterwards, specific sectionsparticipants were unanimous that the representative from the United stipulated in the enrolled bill were fund must be utilized for the benefits Coconut Association of the presented, discussed and commented of coco farmers and development of Philippines to report the Philippine to come up with a harmonized the coconut industry. Coconut Industry Situation from the and unified position of concerned Also, the trust fund must include perspective of the industry players. stakeholders. The consensus of the assets that should form part of JD body will then be forwarded to the the coconut levy, which have been PDD-CDS holds Policymaking and Engagement Competency Workshop for AFCs Aiming to further improve the capacities of AFC officers and coordinators in terms of policy-related issues, the Partnership Development Division-Capacity Development Section (PDD-CDS) of PCAF in partnership with the Center for Leadership, Citizenship, and Democracy (CLCD) of the University of the Philippines’ National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP- NCPAG), conducted a Competency Advancement on Policymaking and Engagement (CAPE) Workshop for AFCs of Davao and AFC officers and coordinators in Davao attend CAPE Workshop in their respective regions on March and April 2019, regions (source: Partnership Development Division) respectively. The week-long training included were evaluated based on their expertise Development and Public Speaking. lectures on topics which are on “Policy and mastery on the respective subject On the other hand, participants Analysis and Development” by Prof. matters. of SOCCSKSARGEN requested to Simeon Ilago of CLCD, “Writing In reference to the Training undergo training in Facilitation’s Skills Resolutions and Parliamentary Needs Assessment undertaken after Training, Leadership and Management, Proceedings” by UP-School of Urban the activity proper, it was identified as well as conduct of an orientation on and Rural Planning’s (SURP) Atty. that the workshop participants are PCAF and AFC Manual of Operations. Mark Anthony Gamboa, and “Policy looking forward to undergo more Aside from broadening their Advocacy” by CLCD Director Dra. Ma. training sessions to further boost their knowledge on crafting policies, the Faina Diola and Charlie Rivas. capabilities as leaders of their respective AFC officers and coordinators are also To complement the learnings of AFC organizations. expected to fortify understanding on the participants on the aforementioned For those in the , the procedural concerns and advocacy in topics, a series of workshops were attendees clamored for training in the stakeholder engagement and feedback undertaken at the conclusion of each areas of Technical Writing, Leadership mechanism for sound policy upon session. Likewise, the resource persons and Management, and Personality completion of the WS. AE 4 PCAF QUARTERLY April to June 2019 Newly recruited volunteer-partners pledge commitment at AFC orientations

(Right) Partnership Development Division Assistant Division Chief Soledad Bernardo discusses the AFC Manual of Operations (MOO) to the newly recruited members (left) during the AFC orientation in Baguio City. The MOO contains information on the policies, processes and procedures adopted by PCAF relative to the organization, structure, membership, roles and functions, activities, outputs and other concerns of the AFCs as instrumentalities composed of volunteers at the regional and local levels. (Photos courtesy of VMS Staff) A total of 73 newly recruited . participants on how to accomplish the Agricultural and Fisheries Council The second batch werenecessary forms like the membership (AFC) members pledged commitment composed of 25 new members from application form, membership profile during the island-wide orientations , , Western (for individual AFC members), and in April and May to help the DA and , , and Eastern AFC profile (for council profile). PCAF in agriculture and fisheries Visayas. The group’s orientation was The new recruits were also development through participation held on May 6 to 9 in City. familiarized about the guidelines on and relevant discussions which would The third batch was conducted on Gawad Saka Search for Outstanding result into crafting of sound policy May 20 to 24 in General Santos City Provincial and Municipal AFCs, recommendations. with 24 new members. They were and the guidelines on the Search for The orientation was part of the from Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Oustanding AFC Chairpersons and membership process for new AFC Mindanao, Davao, SOCCSKSARGEN, Secretariat-Coordinators. recruits that aimed to create common and Region. “It is very heart-warming understanding on the DA’s and PCAF-Social Mobilization Section to witness newly recruited AFC PCAF’s mandate, programs, activities, (SMS) also presented the Expected members commit their time and and projects (PAPs), and AFC Manual AFC Outputs, which includes major help DA in achieving its goals for a of Operations (MOO). final outputs, other outputs, required sustainable economy, particularly “I realized that the AFCs have an documents, and the schedule of in the agriculture and fishery important role in the agriculture and submission of documents. The 2019 sector,” said PCAF Exec. Dir. Sarah fishery development in our locality as targets for AFC consultative meetings Gutierrez-Cayona after the pledge volunteer-partners,” said one of the was also discussed by SMS. of commitment and awarding of participants. Aside from these, PCAF- certificates of completion in General Aside from DA’s and PCAF’s Volunteer Management Section Santos City orientation. JC mandate, the new members also Cluster Coordinator also briefed the need to have a uniform and shared understanding on the AFCs’ roles, functions, responsibilities, rights, benefits and limitations as a new Central Visayas RAFC member of the Council. Chairperson It also ensured that there are Lou Cabalde common appreciation on the leads the participatory monitoring and tracking pledge of activities, and on the processes and commitment feedback mechanisms of PCAF’s and awarding Advisory Special Bodies. of certificates The newly recurited AFC of completion members were grouped into three to newly batches. The first batch was held on recruited members of April 24 to 26 in Baguio City. The 24 AFC in the new members were from Cordillera region. Autonomous Region, , , Central Luzon, and PCAF QUARTERLY April to June 2019 5 RAFC Chairpersons as.. from page 3 RAFC Clean-up drive on coastal areas Executive Director, copy furnished a meeting with Davao OIC Regional of Dinadiawan, . Around 70 RAFC 7, regarding an ACPC issue. Executive Director Engr. Ricardo private and government individuals To assure that the farmers’ Oñate, Jr. for AFC introduction and participated on the activity and complaint was heard, he shared possible financial support needed for cleared approximately 5 kilometers that RAFC 7 has already passed a the AFCs. coastal area. resolution recommending ACPC As Farmer-Director, Chairperson Aside from that, Farmer-Director to issue a circular or additional Loyola also attended meetings at Hernandez also conducted a dialogue guidelines to strictly prohibit lending the Regional Development Council with OIC Regional Executive conduits from imposing conditions in and Davao Regional Agricultural Director Crispulo Bautista, Jr. to PLEA Credit facility without ACPC’s Cooperative for a call to support the allocate additional funds to livestock knowledge. farmers in the region and other AFC program, specifically this farmers’ concerns. month, to accommodate the requests Region 8- of AFCs through their associations Inocencio Morallos Region 12- SOCCSKSARGEN or cooperatives in their request of On behalf of RAFC Chairperson Dionisio Bautista livestock interventions. Esteban Conchas, PAFC Chairperson In one of his meetings as a Inocencio Morallos stepped in as Farmer-Director, RAFC Chairperson Region 4-A- CALABARZON Farmer-Director. As his advocacies to Bautista expressed the importance Pedrito Kalaw introduce and create sufficient fund to have a knowledge on the proper Aside from joining meetings and support for the AFCs, Farmer-Director construction supervision for Small summits, as a Farmer-Director, RAFC Morallos, with RAFC Coordinator Water Impounding Project (SWIP). Chairperson Kalaw led a dialogue with Belen de Pedro, conducted a dialogue “Kung ang lahat ng SWIP na the DILG CALABARZON about the with Northern Vice Governor pinapatayo sa rehiyon ay may tamang strengthening of AFC’s participation Gary Lavin; Mondragon Northern superbisyon sa construction stage, in local governance and development Samar Mayor Mario Madera, and tiyak na mataas na produksyon ang process. Laoang, Mayor makakamit ng ating magsasaka.” Hector Ong. Region 5- Bicol Region The Municipality of Laoang Region 13- Caraga Region Alfredo Rillo provided MAFC with PhP9,000- Pedro Lim Together with Regional allocation per quarterly meeting. RAFC Chairperson Lim Agricultural and Fishery Information Mayor Ong also agreed to developed established the importance of soybean Section Chief Emilia Bordado, model farms in the area and implement industry in Caraga in his stint as Farmer-Director Rillo appeased the programs that will encourage students Farmer-Director. group of Kilusang Magbubukid ng to venture into agriculture. He also participated in various Bikol who appeals for a dialogue on meetings and conducted monitoring the effects of Rice Liberalization Law Region 9- Zamboanga Peninsula activities on the machineries, and El Niño to farmers in the region. Leonardo Caparida equipment and facilities in research Aside from explaining various Aside from various activity stations in the region. programs, services, and assistance and meeting participations, RAFC that the Department can offer to Chairperson Caparida conducted Autonomous Region in them, RAFC Chairperson Rillo took dialogues with local chief executives Muslim Mindanao this chance to introduce to the group and initiated activities that involve Abdulrahman Macabangon what is AFC and what the Council are other agencies to promote the AFCs RAFC Chairperson Macabangon doing relative to the said issues and in the region, such as tree planting. conducted dialogues with the concerns. local chief executives (LCEs) of Region 10- Mamasapano, South Upi and North Region 6- Prof. Edgardo Layug Upi, Pandag, General Salipada K. Ricardo Provido, Jr. As Farmer-Director, RAFC Pendatun in ; Poona During his field visits as Farmer- Chairperson Layug conducted a Bayabao, Marawi City, Calanogas, Director, RAFC Chairperson Provido dialogue with Landbank of the Balabagan, and Kapatagan in Lanao had the chance to meet and talk to Philippines (LBP) Velez branch and del Sur. Governor Florencio Miraflores, LBP-CDO Lending Center about The dialogues aimed to strengthen Governor Rhodora Cadiao, its “Volunteerific Program” and the the private-public partnership in order and Governor Esteban Evan assistance they can provide to the to help the farmers and fisherfolks. Contreras about their support to the farmers, fishefolks, and other industry. Aside from the LCEs, Chairperson AFCs in their respective provinces. Chairperson Layug also attended Macabangon, with RAFC coordinator meetings with Municipal and Virginia Manuel also had a dialogue Region 7- Central Visayas Provincial Agriculturists, and AFC with Dr. Mohammad Yacob of the Lou Cabalde Coordinators to further explain Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries As Farmer-Director, RAFC the major functions of the AFCs as and Agrarian Reform. Through this Chairperson Cabalde led the Farmers’ advisory special body in the grassroots meeting, Minister Yacob realized Forum, in celebration of the Farmers’ level. during the RAFC orientation to him and Fisherfolk’s month, where he that there is a mechanism (AFCs) advised a farmers’ association to write Region 11- Davao Region serves as voice of farmers & fishers. a letter addressed to the Regional Epifanio Loyola, Jr. JC (Report courtesy of PDD) RAFC Chairperson Loyola had 6 PCAF QUARTERLY April to June 2019 Industry stakeholders recommend DA FY 2020 proposed plan & budget Relative to the budget preparations for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, members of the National Agriculture and Fisheries Council (NAF Council) converged for the endorsement of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) plan and budget proposal on June 17, 2019 in Quezon City. The NAF Council, chaired by the DA Secretary, serves as the highest mechanism for consultation and dialogue between DA and the different national government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, and private sector stakeholders including farmers’ and fishers’ groups. Undersecretary (USEC) for Operations Engr. Ariel Cayanan and USEC for Administration Roldan Gorgonio presided the NAF Council DA Undersecretary for Operations Engr. Ariel Cayanan (center) answers meeting which tabled for discussion question relative to the DA’s plan and budget proposal during the meeting of the 2020 proposed budget of PhP333.2 the NAF Council Special Budget Committee. Billion. The advisory special bodiesbe allocated for easy access credit, Republic Act No. 11203 or the Rice of PCAF, represented by the PhP5.1B for crop insurance, Tariffication Law is also included in Chairpersons of the National Sectoral PhP73.169B for farm-to-market roads the total budget. and Strategic Concerns Committees (FMR) and PhP8.205B for small-scale From the said amount, PhP5B and the Regional Agricultural and irrigation system (SPIS). will be used for the rice farm Fishery Councils, took part in the Local and foreign assisted projects mechanization and equipment, deliberation of DA’s FY 2020 physical were also funded under the proposed PhP3B for the rice seed development, and financial target/allocations. budget. These include the Special propagation and promotion and the Prior to the endorsement of Area for Agricultural Development, remaining PhP2B will be divided for the proposed DA’s plan and budget, PhP1.555B and the Philippine Rural the expanded rice credit assistance PCAF, as the secretariat of the NAF Development Project, PhP2.138B and for the rice extension services. Council, conducted consultation with (original), PhP3.174B (expansion). the industry stakeholders through New programs and projects DA’s midterm accomplishment the NAF Council Special Budget are also introduced under the Tier Committee. Assistant Secretary-designate for 2 proposal. Among those are the Planning and Project Development National Farmers and Fisherfolk ID DA’s commitment for 2020 Carlos Magnaye presented the System, PhP865.561 Million (M); three-year accomplishment of DA, For FY 2020, the department’s Mainstreaming in Climate Resilient in highlighting its major programs and budget is geared towards greater food Agriculture, PhP160M; Pantawid Saka interventions provided from 2016 to production and poverty reduction Program, PhP24.052B; Kabuhayan at 2019. which was in line with the President’s Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo It was reported that the agri- pronouncement to prioritize the (4Ks), PhP532.1M and the Samar fishery gross value added (GVA) grew agriculture sector through the Island Agri-Aqua Development by 4.0% in 2017, highest growth rate provision of sufficient budget next Project, PhP323.9M. recorded in a decade. Meanwhile, year. Other support programs, such 0.8% growth in value of production DA’s Budget Division Chief as Quick Response Fund is PhP2B, was recorded in 2018 despite massive Telma Tolentino presented the Information and Communication agricultural damages brought by proposed budget for FY 2020 which Technology Management Support natural phenomena. is 420% higher than the current year’s worth PhP1.735B and Halal Food ASEC Magnaye also shared allocation. Tier 1 proposal amounted Industry Development Program is substantial data on poverty reduction to PhP58.1B while PhP275B for Tier PhP124.3M. among the 10 provinces included in 2 proposal. PhP1.873B will also be allocated the DA’s Special Area for Agricultural To achieve its goals, DA’s proposed for the Support to Integrated Development and Easy Access Credit budget for major sectors are as Laboratories, PhP2.727B for Field Program. follows: Rice – PhP113.528B; Corn – Program Management Activities and Quantitative data of the five major PhP31.229B; Livestock and Poultry PhP924.3M for Market Development programs and interventions were – PhP9.4B; High Value Crops – Program. also discussed. These include FMRs, PhP10.209B; Fisheries – PhP27.430B The proposed PhP10B amount SPIS, Production and Post-Harvest and Organic Agriculture – PhP1.148B. for the implementation of the Rice Facilities, Logistics and Transport, For the high impact programs Competitiveness Enhancement and Credit and Insurance. JD of the department, PhP2.5B will Program, which is a component of PCAF QUARTERLY April to June 2019 7 PCAF celebrates ANIMversary! 6 years of providing quality advisory services to PH agri and fisheries

25 years: Melchor D. Aranzaso 20 years: Marisa R. Lo, Josie C. Riego, Marissa P. Montemayor, and Rachelle A. Ayllon Also, in acknowledgement of the work that they have rendered to the organization over the course of their respective professional tenures, the awardees were given certificates. Aside from these events, the agency, through the PCAF employees led by Exec. Dir. Sarah Gutierrez-Cayona (left) formally open the agency’s Planning, Monitoring ANIMversary celebration on June 28, 2019.With her are fellow officials (from l-r): AFMD Chief and Knowledge Fidelia De Asis-Andres, PDD-SMS Chief Floreliz Avellana, OIC-Deputy Exec. Dir. Engr. Alexander Management Daroya, PMKMD Assistant Division Chief Cleofas Ventic and AFMD-MS Chief Merlyn Galdonez. Division (PMKMD) Joining them is ANIMversary Thanksgiving mass celebrant Fr. Joseph Buslon. also conducted two Knowledge Events In observation of the Philippine employees also partook in the Soup as a fitting conclusion to PCAF’s Council for Agriculture and Fisheries’ Kitchen and Anniversary Luncheon. ANIMversary celebration. (PCAF) 6th anniversary, the agency’s Later in the day, there was a Held on June 28, 2019, the management and staff gathered presentation of the agency’s Loyalty Knowledge Sharing Event on Food on June 26, 2019 to commemorate Awardees for FY 2019. This would Safety had resource speakers from the said milestone thru a series of prove to be the highlight of the the National Dairy Authority (NDA), activities. ANIMversary celebration, as these Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), Kicking-off with a Thanksgiving employees were recognized for their Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) and Mass celebrated by Fr. Joseph Buslon, tireless efforts and valuable services Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic it was followed by a ribbon-cutting rendered in the field of public service. Resources (BFAR) as they discussed ceremony led by Executive Director These PCAF personnel are the the importance of handling and Sarah Gutierrez-Cayona to formally following: preparing food products for the open the festivities. 40 years: Fidelia De Asis-Andres, consuming public. This activity is in Aside from an exhibit on the 3rd Marilyn A. Gonzales, and Soledad B. coordination with the office of the DA floor lobby of the PCAF Building Bernardo Assistant Secretary for Regulations which highlights the development 35 years: Cleofas M. Ventic, and the Visayas, Atty. Hansel Didulo. of the agriculture sector thru Herminia S. Delos Reyes, Vienna E. AE introduction of farm machinery, Beltran, and Zoraida F. De Guzman

Editorial Adviser: Sarah Gutierrez-Cayona General Supervision: Estrella V. Tulay Overall Production: Rachelle A. Ayllon Layout: Jezebel D. Campaniel Writers: Alexander B. Estoesta Junry Y. Danila Jezebel D. Campaniel

The editorial team encourages everyone to photocopy and circulate this newsletter with proper acknowledgment. Everyone is also encouraged to contribute stories of individuals or organizations engaged in the development of the agri-fishery communities. Please e-mail [email protected] or mail THE EDITOR, Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries, 3F Apacible Hall, Department of Agriculture, Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City 1101. You may also visit our website at www.pcaf.da.gov.ph

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