By Kenneth Marcos 
Under the bright lights of a government conference hall, officials from agriculture and budget agencies gathered with a shared goal—improving public service for Filipino farmers and fisherfolk. On March 23, 2026, one agency stood out for its performance and commitment to results.
The Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) was named the Top 1 performing agency among all banner programs, bureaus, and attached agencies of the Department of Agriculture (DA) during the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Annual Agency Performance Review for Fiscal Year 2025.
The recognition was based on PCAF’s strong physical and financial performance, as well as its consistent and timely submission of required reports and data. These are key measures used by the DBM to assess how well government agencies deliver services and manage public funds.
The annual performance review is an important process that ensures accountability across government offices. It checks whether agencies meet their targets, use their budgets wisely, and provide real results to the Filipino people. For sectors like agriculture and fisheries, this means better programs, improved support, and more efficient services reaching farmers and fisherfolk across the country.
Officials from both the DA and DBM attended the event, including DA Undersecretary for Finance Nora Oliveros and DBM Undersecretary Mary Ann Dela Vega. Also present were planning, budget, and accounting officers from various DA agencies, all working together to improve governance and service delivery.
PCAF’s recognition highlights its focus on transparency, efficiency, and results-driven governance. Over the past year, the agency strengthened its monitoring systems and ensured that programs aligned with national goals for food security and rural development. Its efforts support the broader vision of building a more productive agriculture sector and a stronger economy.
During the event, PCAF did not only receive recognition—it also shared its best practices with other agencies. Representatives Joane Carla Auditor and Arlene Asuncion Mercado from the Planning, Monitoring, and Knowledge Management Division presented the strategies behind PCAF’s success. These included improved coordination, better data management, and stronger accountability systems.
Their presentation aimed to inspire other DA agencies to adopt similar approaches. By sharing knowledge and proven methods, the government hopes to raise the overall performance of all agencies involved in agriculture and fisheries.
Experts say that strong performance in government agencies plays a direct role in improving the lives of ordinary Filipinos. Efficient use of funds means more support for farmers, better access to resources, and stronger programs that can boost food production and income in rural communities.
As the country continues to face challenges such as climate change, rising food demand, and economic pressures, the need for effective and accountable agencies becomes even more important.
PCAF’s achievement serves as a reminder that good governance, when done right, can lead to real and meaningful impact. For many Filipinos who depend on agriculture and fisheries, this kind of performance brings hope for better support and a more secure future.
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