PASAY CITY – With the theme “Solidarity through Agricultural and Fishery Volunteerism,” the 9th National Agriculture and Fisheries Volunteers’ Day (NVD) was held on December 12, 2023 at the Midas Hotel, Pasay City.
The NVD is an annual event organized by the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) to celebrate and recognize its volunteers and partners’ invaluable contributions in helping the Department of Agriculture modernize and industrialize the country’s value chains and uplifting the lives of Filipino farmers, fishers, and their communities through relevant and responsive policies and plans.
During the event, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) received eight recognition awards that included: PAFC-Benguet was recognized as the National Champion for Outstanding PAFC. RAFC-CAR was recognized as 2nd runner-up for Outstanding RAFC while MAFC-Itogon was recognized as 2nd runner-up for MAFC.
Ryan U. Palunan was especially recognized as National Youth Advocacy Champion. Palunan was also recognized as a finalist for Outstanding RAFC Chairperson.
Susan D. Balanza, PMED Chief of DA-RFO CAR was recognized as a finalist for Outstanding RAFC Executive Officer. Gerson Domoguen of Benguet was recognized as finalist for Outstanding PAFC Chairperson while Romeo Casilla of Itogon was recognized as finalist for Outstanding MAFC Chairperson. Corazon P. Ateo-an on the other hand was awarded as finalist for Outstanding PAFC Coordinator.
As the national champion, PAFC-Benguet received a Plaque of Recognition and cash incentive. The other awardees received Certificates of Recognition and cash incentives.
The agriculture and fisheries councils (AFCs) at the regional, provincial and municipal levels serve as the consultative, integrative, coordinating, and monitoring bodies for regional and local agriculture and fishery commodity value chain initiatives. Specifically, the councils provide a platform for the representation of agriculture and fisheries stakeholders through participation in the planning and monitoring of agriculture and fisheries programs and serve as advocates for the interests of farmers, fisherfolks, and other stakeholders. The councils also engage themselves in local agriculture and fisheries related activities and serve as feedback mechanisms between local communities and government agencies, particularly the Department of Agriculture. By PMED
