BAGUIO CITY — The Department of Agriculture (DA) calls for continuing partnership with the private sector in the different parts of Luzon in improving the country’s agri-fishery sector.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, in his keynote message delivered by Assistant Secretary for Legislative and Consumer Affairs Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra during the 2024 Luzon AFC Stakeholders Conference at Newtown Plaza Hotel here, stressed that the private sector is a key player in government initiatives.
“The Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) alongside the AFCs (Agriculture and Fisheries Councils) nationwide have invariably played a major role in representing the private sector in our agricultural initiatives.
Your active participation and collaboration with the DA especially in creating plans and programs serve as our guidepost in our mission of improving the agri-fishery sector,” Laurel said.
He also outlined the important role of private partners like PCAF in the achievement of
DA’s agri-fishery plan that aims to boost the sector’s progress.
“We crafted a four-year agri-fishery plan focused on the following key objectives: boosting agricultural production, ensuring the availability of affordable food, and increasing the income of our farmers and fisherfolk. To achieve these goals, we are actively working on modernizing and mechanizing the sector, as well as developing our post-harvest facilities, logistics network, and irrigation systems.
Integral to these strategies is our commitment to strengthening partnerships with the
private sector. We plan to foster greater collaboration in DA programs and encouraging more investments in the agri-fishery sector.”
The PCAF headed by OIC Executive Director Julieta Opulencia, in cooperation with the DA Cordillera headed by Regional Executive Director Jennilyn Dawayan, spearheaded the three-day AFC Luzon Stakeholders Conference on June 19 to 21 that was attended by around 200 AFC stakeholders from Cordillera, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, MIMAROPA, CALABARZON and the Bicol Region.
The conference activities included plenary sessions on Enhancing Livestock Livelihood through the National Livestock Program; National Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development, and the current agri-business and marketing service projects.
There were also workshops, as well as crafting and approval of AFC Luzon Conference resolutions. (CCD-PIA CAR)
