By Kenneth Marcos 
Inside a packed consultation hall in Quezon City, farmers’ groups, civil society leaders, and agriculture officials sat side by side, reviewing plans that could shape the future of Philippine agriculture. Voices from the ground were heard as they discussed budgets, programs, and results that directly affect rural communities.
The Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF), an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA), recently held a consultation with civil society organizations (CSOs) to review its proposed 2027 Plan and Budget and to present the results of its 2025 Participatory Monitoring and Tracking (PMT).
The consultation forms part of PCAF’s mandate to ensure that farmers, fisherfolk, and other stakeholders are actively involved in agricultural planning and policy-making. Under the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act, PCAF serves as an advisory body that bridges government and the private sector, including grassroots organizations.
During the meeting, officials presented priority programs lined up for 2027. These include strengthening farmer and fisherfolk participation in decision-making, improving monitoring systems for agriculture projects, and enhancing transparency in how public funds are used. The proposed budget will support consultations, policy recommendations, and monitoring activities nationwide.
Participants were also briefed on the 2025 Participatory Monitoring and Tracking results. PMT is a mechanism that allows CSOs and sector representatives to help assess the implementation of agriculture-related programs. Through this system, stakeholders can raise concerns, suggest improvements, and ensure that government projects reach intended beneficiaries.
Agriculture remains a key sector in the Philippine economy. According to government data, millions of Filipinos depend on farming and fishing for their livelihood. However, the sector continues to face challenges such as climate change, rising production costs, and global market competition. Inclusive planning and transparent budgeting are seen as critical steps in addressing these issues.
CSO representatives emphasized the importance of continued dialogue between government and communities. They called for timely release of funds, improved access to support services, and stronger coordination at the local level. Some groups also highlighted the need to prioritize small-scale farmers and fisherfolk, who are often the most vulnerable to economic shocks and natural disasters.
PCAF officials assured participants that their recommendations would be carefully reviewed and considered in finalizing the 2027 budget proposal. They reiterated that collaboration is essential in building a more resilient and productive agriculture sector.
The DA has been promoting the vision of “Masaganang Agrikultura, Maunlad na Ekonomiya,” linking agricultural growth to national development. Programs that improve farm productivity, strengthen value chains, and support rural enterprises are part of this broader goal.
Consultations like this aim to make governance more participatory and accountable. When farmers and fisherfolk are given a seat at the table, policies are more likely to reflect real conditions on the ground.
As the government prepares future plans and budgets, continued engagement between agencies and stakeholders will remain crucial. Stronger collaboration today can help secure food supply, protect livelihoods, and build a more resilient agricultural sector for the next generation.
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