By Kenneth Marcos 
As farmers and fishers face rising costs and changing weather, decisions made in meeting rooms can shape what support reaches the ground. On February 9, 2026, agriculture stakeholders gathered in Quezon City to review how public funds were used and how next year’s budget can better serve the sector.
The National Agriculture and Fisheries (NAF) Council held its first semester meeting for 2026 at the Sequoia Hotel in Quezon City, using a blended setup that allowed members to join both in person and online. The meeting focused on assessing the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) performance in 2025 and reviewing its approved budget for Fiscal Year 2026.
The session was presided over by Agriculture Undersecretary for Operations, Agri-Fisheries Mechanization, and Rural Credit Roger V. Navarro. He represented Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., who serves as Chairperson-Coordinator of the NAF Council.
Established under DA Administrative Order No. 6, Series of 1998, the NAF Council is the highest consultative body in the agriculture and fisheries sector. It brings together government agencies, local government units, private sector groups, civil society, and farmers’ and fishers’ organizations. Its role is to ensure participatory governance and allow stakeholders to take part in shaping policies and programs.
The meeting opened with an interfaith prayer led by representatives from the coffee, cacao, and Bangsamoro agriculture sectors, reflecting the Council’s emphasis on inclusivity and unity across regions and commodities.
PCAF Executive Director Bernadette B. De Los Santos, who heads the NAF Council Technical Secretariat, formally acknowledged the participants and confirmed the presence of a quorum. Members from National Sectoral Committees, Regional Agricultural and Fishery Councils, civil society organizations, national government agencies, and LGUs attended the meeting.
In his opening remarks, Undersecretary Navarro stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in government. He said the meeting aimed to clearly present the DA’s physical and financial accomplishments for 2025 and to explain how the 2026 budget will be used under the General Appropriations Act.
Navarro emphasized that keeping stakeholders informed helps build trust and ensures that government programs respond to real needs in farming and fishing communities. He also highlighted the value of open dialogue in improving planning and implementation.
Key DA officials then presented detailed reports. Engr. Karen S. Marte, Officer-in-Charge Director of the Planning and Monitoring Service, discussed the DA’s physical accomplishments in 2025. She outlined progress in program implementation and sector outcomes, including production support, mechanization, and rural development initiatives.
This was followed by a presentation from Ms. Charie Sarah D. Saquing, Officer-in-Charge Director of the Financial and Management Service. She reported on the DA’s financial performance for 2025 and presented the approved budget for 2026. The discussion covered how funds are allocated across programs and how spending aligns with national agriculture priorities.
An open forum allowed Council members to raise questions, share observations, and offer recommendations. Participants, both onsite and online, actively engaged in the discussion, reinforcing the Council’s role as a venue for consultation between government and stakeholders.
Through the meeting, the NAF Council reaffirmed its role in promoting shared responsibility and partnership in agriculture and fisheries development. Officials said continued dialogue is crucial to ensure that public resources are used effectively and that programs deliver real benefits to farmers, fishers, and rural communities.
As the government moves forward with its 2026 plans, the Council’s discussions serve as a reminder that inclusive decision-making remains key to building a more productive and resilient agriculture sector.
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