PCAF sizes up Performance intensifies partnership with NSC and AFC

Exec. Dir. Ariel Cayanan shares a light moment with RAFC Region 10 Chairperson Edgardo Layug; RAFC Region 5 Chairperson Jose Cordero, Jr.; NSC Committee on Commercial Crops Head David Santos, and RAFC Region 1 Chairperson Vincent Adorna, during his opening remarks. 

To ensure that there is a shared understanding and collective decision-making among the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF), National Sectoral Committee (NSC), and Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC), the agency jumpstart the year with a back to back performance review and planning workshop at Villa Caceres Hotel in Naga City on January 26 to 28, 2016.

The three-day event served as a venue to almost a hundred participants from the NSC, AFC and PCAF where they identified the gaps and issues that hampered the performance of the entire agency including its partners.

PCAF Executive Director Ariel Cayanan acknowledged the unceasing commitment and dedication of the AFCs and NSCs in pursuing an optimistic future for the agriculture and fishery communities.

“For the past 28 years, you have become our partners in developing sound policies for the agriculture and fishery sector. I encourage everyone to participate in identifying the gaps and create a common understanding that will be beneficial for the agency and to all our stakeholders,” Exec. Dir. Cayanan said.

Participatory Planning

As part of the planning and workshop, Exec. Dir. Cayanan also presented the agency’s accomplishment highlights from 2010 to 2014.

Among the highlighted activities were the creation of Climate Change Committee, AKBay Program, the formulation of Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Plan (AFMP), enactment of Republic Act 10601 or the Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization (AFMech) Law, AFMech Summit, and National Rice Summit.

The Policy Development and Coordination Division (PDCD) Chief Julieta Opulencia; Partnership Development Division (PDD) Chief Elgie Namia, and Planning, Monitoring and Knowledge Management Division (PMKMD) - Monitoring and Evaluation Section Chief Cyril Soliaban also presented the sections’ respective accomplishment reports for 2015.

Aside from the presentation of PCAF’s achievements, the Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) reforms and status of fund transfers and balances were also discussed to update the participants.

PCAF also declared its 2016 Work Plan and Budget, and Key Challenges and Plan of Actions for fiscal year for 2016 and 2017.

In line with the accomplishment reports and budget concerns, AFC members and partners from the NSC provided their recommendations and suggestions that could help the sector perform well and could be considered in PCAF’s 2017 work and financial plan.

Among their suggestions under the PAP1: Development and Coordination of Agriculture and Fishery Policies were allocation of fund for sectoral consultation in ARMM and all regions, and strengthening the participation and involvement of AFC particular on the grassroots level.

They also proposed to conduct more policy studies that involve grassroots levels of AFC like the Barangay Agriculture and Fishery Council and Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council levels.

For the PAP2: Planning, Motoring and Knowledge Management they have included the development of local AFCs through formulation of road map, and the consolidation of resolution and categorized into PCAF’s strategic legislative and executive agenda.

The conduct of entry to exit conference for monitoring and other activities, and expanded monitoring in the local charters of NSC and newly organized MAFCs were also raised under PAP 2. For the PAP 3: Partnership Development, the participants suggested comprehensive agri and fishery planning at the provincial level with participation of MAFC, MOA and other stakeholders through partnership development with the province. They also suggested fishing ground planning and capacitating RAFCs to lead or co-organized congress or forum.

On the other hand, a workshop on the shared policy agenda setting was also conducted. The NSC together with the strategic concern committees, the regional and local AFCs identified their goals for the entire year. The participants were also able to recognize the policy gaps, their priority for the 2016, and proposed solutions or options to the issues that they have identified.

PCAF sets directions for 2016

PCAF employees listen attentively to Exec. Dir. Ariel Cayanan as the latter gives his instructions during the agency’s 2016 GA.

“We need to work harder and work as a team.”

This is the appeal of Executive Director Ariel Cayanan as he addressed more than 100 employees and Job Orders of the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) during the agency’s 2016 General Assembly (GA) on January 06 at the New Conference Room of the Department of Agriculture- National Agriculture and Fishery Council (NAFC) - Livestock Development Council (LDC) Building.

One year after the physical consolidation of NAFC and LDC that has led to the creation of PCAF, Dir. Cayanan lauded the whole agency for working as one and accomplishing the mandated deliverables or the Major Final Output (MFO).

However, he also stressed that there is a need for necessary improvements.

“Like what we have discussed in our mid-year performance, we have to ensure that the resolutions are really policy resolutions and not just any resolution,” Dir. Cayanan emphasized.

To address this concern, Dir. Cayanan clearly instructed that all Operating Units (OUs): the Administrative, Financial and Management Division (AFMD), Policy Development and Coordination Division (PDCD), Partnership Development Division (PDD) and Planning, Monitoring and Knowledge Management Division (PMKMD), should review and analyze their work plan and budget to determine if there are gaps in the plan.

Part of the 2016 directives is the preparation of the 2017 work and financial plan. The director also mentioned that a detailed breakdown of costs per activity and object of expenditures are required.

On the other hand, as part of the 2016 Work Plan and Budget Implementation, Dir. Cayanan said that all OUs should observe strict adherence on the monthly deliverables as indicated in each respective work plan and monthly disbursement program.

Among the topics that were discussed were details on the participatory monitoring and tracking; report submission; schedule of meetings and activities, streamlining processes, and filling up for positions and enforcement of the Civil Service Commission rules and regulations.

Meanwhile, PMKMD Chief Estrella Tulay also presented the agency’s work plan and budget which will be implemented this 2016.

She also reminded everyone that PCAF through its mandates primarily, contributes to the Key Result Area (KRA) 1. This is the transparency, accountable and participatory governance of the President Aquino’s Social Contract to the Filipino people. PCAF’s KRA is very different to the KRA of the Department of Agriculture, which is the KRA 3 or the rapid economic growth.

KRA is the general output or outcome that a department or an agency is expected to be delivered.

The PMKMD chief reiterated that the KRA is essential in determining the MFO of PCAF which is Agriculture and Fishery Policy Services. Under the MFO, PCAF has three Program, Activity and Projects (PAP).

The PAPs of PCAF includes the PAP 1 or the Development and Coordination of Agriculture and Fishery Policies; PAP 2 is the Planning, Monitoring and Knowledge Management, and PAP 3 is Partnership Development.

Some of the activities prepared for 2016 under the PAP 1 were regular consultation meetings of the AFCs and the NSCs; Areawide Policy Dialogues and National Sectoral Fora, and Policy Studies.

Also, the PAP 2 activities were Agency and Joint PCAF, NSC and AFC planning and performance review workshops; PCAF Monitoring of programs and projects AFMA, Evaluative Study, the preparation of knowledge products and “Kapihan” sessions for exchange and sharing of knowledge and learning within PCAF, between and among its partners and stakeholders.

Lastly, some of the PAP 3 activities that were stored for PCAF partners and stakeholders were the Search for Outstanding AFC Chairpersons and Coordinators; National Agriculture and Fishery Volunteers’ Day; Gender and Development client focused activities, and Monitoring of AFC operations.

source: http://pcaf.da.gov.ph/news/2016/pcaf-sets-directions.php

A grant to continue the road to natural way of farming.

Ben Gagelonia, chairperson of the Science City of Muñoz-City Agriculture and Fishery Council (CAFC), graciously receives two checks worth Php300,000 from PCAF Exec. Dir. Ariel Cayanan on February 09, 2016 at the Office of the Executive Director in Apacible Hall in Department of Agriculture in Quezon City.

Aside for the trophy and Presidential Citation, winners of the 2015 Gawad Saka also received cash prizes. The Science City of Muñoz was awarded PhP300,000 for bagging the Gawad Saka’s Outstanding CAFC award last December 09, 2015. Gagelonia said that the money will be used to optimize organic farming through vermi-composting projects that will benefit the 37 Barangay AFCs in Muñoz. Also present in the photo (L-R) are PCAF Region 3 Coordinator Rowena Gallemit, representative from PCAF cashier Celso Mateo and PCAF Volunteer’s Management Section Chief Conchita del Rosario.

PCAF secures agreement to reactivate Olongapo City AFC

Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino (second from left, seated) and Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) Executive Director Ariel Cayanan (third from left, seated) seal the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the reactivation of the Olongapo City Highly Urbanized City Agricultural and Fishery Council (HUCAFC) on December 18, 2015 after a cordial meeting at the City Mayor’s office.

The MOA was set to formalize the participation of Olongapo City as the newest addition to PCAF’s Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFCs). The agreement was also set to recognize the importance of AFCs in highly urbanized cities like Olongapo. This will instigate a brand new level of ardency to the Olongapo City HUCAFC to be a venue for consultation and discussions with the agri and fishery stakeholders from the private and government sectors.  The reactivation of Olongapo City HUCAFC will provide a venue where issues and concerns in the city are raised, discussed and resolved by translating them into policy briefs, policy reforms, programs or projects, and will be enacted as local ordinance or laws.

   

Present during the signing are (from left, seated) San Marcelino, Zambales representative Von Rodriguez, City Agriculturist Victorino Garengo (third from right), RAFC Executive Officer and Coordinator of Region 3 William Valdez (second from right), and PCAF’s Partnership Development Division Chief Elgie Namia (utmost right). Standing (from left) are LGU staff Aileen Reyes, Zambales PAFC Coordinator Romualdo Ramos, PCAF Region 3 Coordinator Rowena Gallemit, AFC Olongapo member Nard Dimandiman, Zambales PAFC Chairperson Alexander Caynon and AFC Olongapo member Jimmy Lamyo.

Source: http://www.pcaf.da.gov.ph/news/2016/secures.php

Cooperation is the key

“Ang nakamit na tagumpay ng PAFC Quirino ay bunga ng isang magandang samahan, pagtutulungan at isahang pagkilos ng bawat kasapi na tinatawag na AFC volunteers sa lalawigan ng Quirino.”

Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC) Quirino representative Dante Tobias said that these qualities shepherd the entire AFC volunteers of Quirino to secure the 2015 Gawad Saka Outstanding PACF award.

In his speech, Tobias thanked the Department of Agriculture and the local government unit of Quirino in supporting them in their agricultural needs particularly creating measures against the threats of soil degradation in the province.

source: http://www.pcaf.da.gov.ph/news/2015/gawadsakaPICC2.php

Former Sen. Lacson lauds 1st Visayas-wide AFC Congress

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Sr. addresses more than 70 participants from Regions 6,7 and 8 of the first-ever Visayas-wide AFC Congress last October 14, 2015 at Doher Hotel in Mandaue City, Cebu. Listening to the senator are PCAF Exec. Dir. Ariel Cayanan, RTD Marina Hermoso of DA-RFO7, Region 7 RAFC Chairperson Lou Cabalde, Region 8 Chairperson Edgardo Codilla and Region 6 Chairperson Ricardo Povido, Jr. 

 “Those who provide most of the nation's food remain noticeably poor.”

This is a concern raised by former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Sr. at the opening program of the first-ever Visayas-wide Agricultural and Fisheries Council (AFC) Congress last October 14 to 16, 2015 in Mandaue City in Cebu.

The three-day event aims to provide a proper venue for consultation on regional cross-cutting topics and serve as a support mechanism among AFCs in the Visayas region. The congress was a result of a cooperation with the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Offices and the Regional AFC (RAFC) of Regions 6, 7 and 8.

Addressing more than 70 AFC officers from Regions 6, 7 and 8, the former Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery Czar emphasized that one of the reasons why farmers and fisherfolks were experiencing below poverty level is corruption. It is the biggest culprit and stumbling block in alleviating poverty, exemplifying the infamous Fertilizer Fund Scam and pork barrel scam that had once highlighted the department.

He lamented that despite performing well in 1960s and 1970s, the Philippine agriculture faltered in the succeeding years, resulting to sector’s decelerating growth compared to other Asian countries.

Undeterred by these challenges, Lacson remains positive with RAFC and lauded initiatives like the Visayas-wide Congress that serves as a vehicle for progress to the agriculture and fishery sector. He also appealed to the AFC officers to fight “tooth and nail” against fraudulent entities that oppress farmers and fisherfolks.

Some of the participants pose for a photo-op during the last day of the Visayas-wide AFC Congress.

Secretary Fredelita Guiza, newly appointed secretary of the Office of the Presidential Assistance for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization (OPAFSAM), also challenged AFC officers to promote convergence for a closer coordination and linkages with the private sectors especially in the grass roots level.

“We, at OPAFSAM aim to strengthen and improve the lives of the farmers. This is why we are here to update you on the programs implemented by the National Irrigation Administration, Philippine Coconut Authority and the National Food Authority that will equip you in these challenges,” Sec. Guiza added.

On the other hand, to fulfill its duty in creating an avenue for development, RAFC Region 7 Chairman Lou Cabalde presented relevant topics that could promote preparedness during calamities and disasters, as well as competitiveness amidst financial crisis.

One of these topics is the role of AFC in livelihood recovery program. The discussion was led by Engr. Edwin Andot, RAFC Chairman of Region 10 who shared how the Ecosystem Worked for Essential Benefits (EcOWEB) have helped the municipalities of Guiuan, Salcedo and Mercedes in Eastern Samar build their livelihoods after the destruction caused by typhoon Yolanda.

Through the initiatives of RAFC officials in Eastern Samar in Region 8, the beneficiaries were able to produce 160 tons of pork per year from 60 households that have helped them recover their livelihood.

To address the topic of climate change, Engr. Oscar Tabada, Chief of Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)- Visayas Regional Services, assured the participants that the agency is enhancing its observing systems and monitoring facilities for early warning system by upgrading surveillance radars and establishment of Doppler Radar. For the benefit of the farmers and fisherfolks, there are plans of enhancement and acquisitions of facilities that will produce accurate weather forecast and conclusive advisories.

Dr. Roehlano Briones, Research Fellow II of the Philippine Institute of Development Studies at National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) also graced the congress and discussed the impact of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Economic Community Free Trade on agriculture and fishery sector.

Earlier reports raised doubts on the negative effects of reducing tariffs and other barriers which may cause unfair competition among other countries. However, Briones pointed out that with agreement, the Philippine agriculture will have an opportunity to gain access in the ASEAN regional market.

The challenges and opportunities in agriculture preparedness and competitiveness under the “new normal” were discussed by Dr. Esteban Godilano, consultant of DA Systems-Wide Climate Change Office. In his talk, Dr. Godilano introduced the Adaptation and Mitigation Initiatives in Agriculture (AMIA) to address climate change in agriculture and how it paved the way into achieving multi-hazard maps of every local government unit to conduct tactical and strategic plans for informed decision-making.

Lastly, Baltazar Tribulano, Jr., Chief of Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office shared his knowledge on how to heighten the participants’ competencies in disaster readiness and survival planning through relating it to simple home activities.

In spite of the challenges that the agriculture sector is facing, Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) Executive Director Ariel Cayanan have expressed his admiration to all the private partners who have been a great help towards agricultural progress.

In his message, Dir. Cayanan mentioned that this is an excellent place to exchange ideas and formulate effective approach in different issues the sector is facing.

Also present in the congress were Mandaue City Councilor Jimmy Lumapas, Regional Technical Director Marina Hermoso of DA-RFO7, Region 8 RAFC Chairperson Edgardo Codilla and Region 6 RAFC Chairperson Ricardo Provido, Jr.

source: http://www.pcaf.da.gov.ph/news/2015/sen.lacson.php

Baras MAFC now officially reactivated

Sealing the agreement. Baras MAFC Chairperson Manuel Gallo, Mayor Katherine Robles, DA Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Segfredo Serrano and PCAF Executive Director Ariel Cayanan sign the Memorandum of Agreement to formalize the reactivation of the Baras MAFC.

The Philippine Council for Agricultural and Fisheries (PCAF), Baras Local Government Unit together with Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) 4-A, and the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) 4-A inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) last October 19 to formalize the reactivation of the Baras Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council (MAFC).

The MOA summarized the duties and commitments agreed by the Sanguniang Bayan of Baras and the concerned Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFC) members during the oath taking ceremony last May 25, 2015. Present in signing were Mayor Katherine Robles, DA Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Segfredo Serrano, PCAF Executive Director Ariel Cayanan, with the representatives from PCAF, Local Government Unit (LGU) of Baras, DA-RFO 4A, and RAFC–4A.

Also present in the ceremony were other Baras officials, and Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer (APCO) Maria Cribe, who represented the Regional Executive Director Vilma Dimaculangan. This landmark event aims to reinstitutionalize the MAFC as a venue for consultative and continuing discussions among partners in the government and stakeholders, particularly in Baras, Rizal.

DA Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Segfredo Serrano and PCAF Executive Director Ariel Cayanan listen to Mayor Katherine Robles as she explains how they are helping their farmers in growing organic production. Also listening were representatives from PCAF, Local Government Unit (LGU) of Baras, DA-RFO 4A and RAFC–4A.

The Baras MAFC is the first MAFC to be formally reactivated since the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) was rationalized as PCAF.

“There is a great need for the AFC’s involvement in the Local Development Councils (LDC). The role of the AFC, whose members are from the private sector, is vital. The private sector may assist and influence in the agri- fishery sectors and has an essential contribution in generating employment and investment opportunities,” said Undersecretary Serrano during the MOA signing.

Meanwhile, Executive Director Cayanan briefly explained the roles and responsibilities of the LGU and the Baras MAFC officials.

Under the agreement, PCAF will provide financial, logistical and technical support for the activities needed for the reactivation of the Baras MAFC and for the conduct of continuous consultations for the agriculture and fisheries stakeholders.

Photo shows Baras Mayor Katherine Robles, DA Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Segfredo Serrano and PCAF Executive Director Ariel Cayanan with the representatives from Local Government Unit (LGU) of Baras, DA-RFO 4A and RAFC–4A post for a photo-op after the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement.

The DA-RFO 4-A will ensure the attainment of the thrusts and mandates of the AFC on consultation, integration, networking and advocacy in the local community. It will also supervise the reactivation activities and operations, and the MAFC project coordination and monitoring activities.

The RAFC 4-A, on the other hand, will provide direct assistance and oversee the activities regarding the reactivation of the Baras MAFC, and ensure the continuous conduct of AFC-related activities in the said town. It will also serve as channel for livelihood assistance and establishment of institutional development projects in the municipality through endorsement of projects proposals of the MAFC.

For its part, the Baras LGU will provide financial and logistical support for the strengthening and continuous conduct of activities of the Baras MAFC on top of the operational funds provided by PCAF. Also, LGU officials will attend Baras MAFC meetings, consultations and other activities, and provide assistance in the conduct of agricultural and fishery programs and projects in Baras and give advice to the MAFC members on matters and issues related to DILG.

Mayor Katherine Robles with the rest of the local government unit and Baras MAFC representatives, pay attention to PCAF Executive Director Ariel Cayanan as he discusses the major roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders.

“The Baras local government is committed to support the agricultural development of our municipality. At present, we are aiming to get an Organic Certification in support to the growing organic production here,” said Baras Mayor Robles in her message.

Source: http://www.pcaf.da.gov.ph/news/2015/MAFC-Baras.php