QUEZON CITY -- The Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) VIII, gathered more than 100 Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC) leaders and members from Central, Eastern, and Western Visayas in a Congress to create policy resolutions related to women's rights in the agriculture & fisheries sector, rural development value-chain in the Visayas, and urban and peri-urban agriculture.

OIC-Regional Executive Director Angel Enriquez lauded the AFC volunteers from across the Visayas for their efforts to assist the government through their relevant policy recommendations and reliable monitoring reports.

“Bakit kayo nandito ngayon? May sahod ba kayo? No. You are here because of your dedication and passion to serve,” said Enriquez.

Noting the country's aging population of farmers, Dir. Enriquez encouraged learning and knowledge transfers in the sector.
"We need the experience and wisdom you can share with the Department of Agriculture," she said.

Meanwhile, Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla underscores the importance of technology and financial support for farmers and fisherfolk.

"Everything is technology-driven. Technology is a front-runner if we want to compete these days," said Gov. Petilla.
He explained the importance of adopting the right technology for farming and fishery to boost production and profitability while maintaining food safety.

According to Gov. Petilla, the government sector is impeded by frequent leadership changes, so the private sector—like the AFCs—provides continuity to successful programs and projects.

RAFC Eastern Visayas Chairperson Engr. Miguel Pedroso praised the AFCs for motivating one another, as well as the government for its support.

“Tayo ang nakakaalam ng problema sa ground, tayo din ang makakagawa ng solusyon. As volunteer leaders, we are uplifting the lives of farmers and fishers. Kailangan natin ng suporta ng isa’t-isa at ng gobyerno,” he said. (DA-PCAF)