By Kenneth Marcos 
In a quiet conference room at Connor Serviced Residences in San Juan, officials from across the Philippines gathered to chart the future of the country’s tobacco industry. For farmers relying on every harvest for income, these plans can mean stronger programs, better support, and more stable livelihoods.
From February 24 to 26, the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) held its Annual Operational Planning for Fiscal Year 2026 and began formulating Program and Project proposals for FY 2027. The event brought together top management officials, branch managers, division chiefs, and officers-in-charge to evaluate past performance and set priorities for the coming years.
Administrator and CEO Belinda S. Sanchez said the planning session is essential for assessing the agency’s work and identifying areas to improve service delivery. “Sustaining excellence in public service is crucial, especially for our primary clients—the tobacco farmers,” she noted.
Deputy Administrator for Operations Nestor C. Casela emphasized that careful planning remains a key principle for elevating the agency toward continuous improvement. He urged all participants not to be complacent with current programs but to strive for stronger initiatives that better serve farmers and the industry. Casela also highlighted the importance of teamwork under the theme “One NTA.”
The session included other top officials, such as Directors Luzviminda U. Padayao, Samuel Franco, Ray Elaydo, Jessie Pat Serna, Virgilio Gerry De Guzman, and Willord Reyes, along with Deputy Administrator for Support Services Benedicto M. Savellano. The Corporate Planning Department, led by Manager Fortuna C. Benosa, facilitated the planning exercises to ensure that NTA programs align with national strategies, including the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, the Department of Agriculture’s priorities, the NTA Strategic Plan 2023–2028, and the Performance Scorecard 2026 submitted to the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG).
The planning session focused on assessing the impact of the agency’s programs, activities, and projects on tobacco farmers and industry stakeholders. It also reviewed the physical and financial performance of NTA units in achieving 2025 targets, presented goals for 2026 and 2027, identified challenges in project implementation, and proposed measures for improving efficiency and effectiveness. Key Result Areas (KRAs) were also integrated into program monitoring to ensure measurable outcomes.
Officials said that these efforts aim not only to meet targets but to ensure that programs tangibly benefit farmers, improve productivity, and strengthen the sustainability of the tobacco sector. By aligning resources, projects, and policies, the NTA hopes to provide better technical support, training, and market access for growers across the country.
For tobacco farmers, a well-planned and coordinated NTA means programs that are responsive to local needs, better access to agricultural services, and stronger support during challenging seasons. It also ensures that the industry continues to contribute to rural livelihoods and the national economy.
The NTA reiterated its commitment to delivering public service excellence while strengthening the tobacco sector in line with the vision of a more prosperous “Bagong Pilipinas.”
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