By Kenneth Marcos 
In a bustling hall in General Santos City, local farmers, municipal officials, and agriculture experts gathered to discuss the future of farming in Mindanao. The room was filled with lively exchanges, as participants shared challenges, successes, and ideas to improve the lives of farmers in the region.
From November 5 to 7, the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) held the Mindanao B Participatory Performance Review and Planning Workshop. This event marked the final stage of the agency’s areawide performance review for fiscal year 2025. Its goal was to evaluate the progress of agricultural programs and plan strategies to boost productivity, sustainability, and income for farmers.
Participants included representatives from local government units, farmer cooperatives, and key agriculture stakeholders. During the workshop, PCAF officials presented reports on program achievements, funding utilization, and technical support extended to farmers over the past year. Open discussions allowed attendees to raise concerns, propose improvements, and identify gaps in service delivery.
The participatory approach ensures that policy and program planning reflect the real needs of farmers. By involving local stakeholders directly, PCAF aims to make agricultural programs more effective and responsive. Topics covered ranged from crop production and fisheries development to farm mechanization and climate resilience initiatives.
Officials emphasized that such workshops are crucial for building stronger partnerships between national agencies and local communities. “Listening to the farmers and local officials helps us design programs that truly work on the ground,” said a PCAF representative. “It’s not just about numbers, but about improving the livelihood of our farming communities.”
As the workshop concluded, participants expressed optimism that the lessons learned and feedback shared would guide better implementation of programs in the coming year. PCAF’s continued commitment to participatory planning highlights the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable agriculture and rural development.
For Mindanao farmers and local officials, the workshop reinforced a shared mission: to ensure that agricultural progress translates into better incomes, food security, and economic growth for their communities.
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