The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) XII, led by Regional Executive Director Roberto T. Perales, gathered key stakeholders from General Santos City and the provinces of Cotabato, Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat for the Local Chief Executives (LCE) Forum on March 3-4, 2025. The forum focused on the agency’s strategic priorities for fiscal years 2024-2028, along with the proposed FY 2026 Plan and Budget, to promote a more sustainable and inclusive agricultural sector.
As a platform for aligning local government initiatives with national agricultural policies, the LCE Forum aimed to enhance the effective implementation of programs that directly benefit farmers, fisherfolk, and agribusinesses across the region. Discussions centered on policy-driven agricultural development, innovative strategies, and stronger collaboration among LGUs, the private sector, and farming communities.
Key Policy Actions and Implementation Updates
Through the LCE Forum, DA-RFO XII aims to strengthen its collaboration with LGUs, ensuring that agricultural policies and initiatives align with regional needs and priorities. In doing so, the forum also highlighted the critical role of Local Chief Executives as policy enablers, emphasizing their responsibility as resource managers and facilitators of agricultural transformation. Other highlights during the forum include:
- Strengthening Agricultural Policy and Local Government Involvement
LGU investments in farming infrastructure, market linkages, and sustainable resource management were key discussion points, ensuring alignment with national strategies. Updates on Regional Development Council (RDC) XII resolutions impacting agriculture and food security were presented, including:
- RDC XII Res. No. 82, Series of 2018 or the Buy-Back Scheme for Pregnant Cattle and Carabao – Implemented to prevent livestock population decline, with multiple provinces such as PLGU Sarangani and South Cotabato already funding this initiative.
- RDC XII Res. No. 83, Series of 2018 or the Agri Community-Based Dairy and Livestock Project – Endorsed by local councils, including General Santos City.
- RDC XII Res. No. 15, Series of 2019 or the Regulation of Livestock Trading and Transport – Enforced to ensure sustainable livestock production.
- RDC XII Res. No. 67, Series of 2020 or the Promotion of Local Dairy Consumption – Mandating government agencies and LGUs to include milk and dairy products in catering services.
- JRTF ELCAC XII Res. No. 16, Series of 2024 or the Joint Validation of Farm-to-Market Roads (FMRs) – Establishing a task force to validate 88 proposed FMR sites in conflict-affected and geographically isolated areas.
- Major Agricultural Programs and Regional Initiatives
Key programs discussed during the forum included:
- Collaborative Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Plan (CPAFEP) – A framework to enhance agricultural extension services at the local level.
- Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) Scale-Up – Expanding support for rural agribusinesses and infrastructure development.
- Price Protection Program – Providing financial safeguards for farmers and fisherfolk against market fluctuations.
- Signing of the Pledge of Commitment and Symbolic Milk Toast
A key highlight of the event was the signing of the Pledge of Commitment, where local government leaders reaffirmed their full support for the Department of Agriculture’s agricultural development initiatives. This ceremony underscored the LGUs’ dedication to fostering sustainable and inclusive agricultural growth while reinforcing their crucial role in national food security efforts.
Another significant moment was the milk toast led by RED Perales, symbolizing the strengthened agricultural partnerships and the promotion of dairy consumption as part of broader food security measures.
Moving Forward: Ensuring Policy Effectiveness and Sustainable Implementation
The LCE Forum reinforced the importance of effective policy implementation in transforming the agricultural sector. With clear frameworks in place, stakeholders committed to ensuring that policies are not only enacted but effectively executed at the grassroots level. Moving forward, stronger monitoring mechanisms, capacity-building for LGUs, and increased farmer participation in policymaking will be key to sustaining these efforts.
The forum concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to achieve food security, economic growth, and sustainable agricultural transformation with a vision that aligns with the national government’s long-term strategies for agricultural resilience and prosperity. (Ian Frederick L. Carbonell)