Key stakeholders from across the country recently gathered at The National Agri-Fishery Investment Forum to align national strategies with local priorities and accelerate investments in the agriculture and fisheries sector.
Led by the Department of Agriculture (DA), the event brought together provincial governors, agriculture committees, national agencies, and development partners in a unified effort to support farmers and fisherfolk.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. underscored the vital role of collaboration in transforming the agri-fishery sector. “I wish to recognize our provincial governors and their agriculture committees, our colleagues from the Department of Agriculture-Central Office, bureaus, attached agencies, and corporations, and our partners in uplifting the agri-fishery sector. Your presence here was proof that agricultural transformation is a mission we all share,” said Tiu Laurel in his keynote speech.
He shared that earlier in the day, he had an informal breakfast discussion with provincial leaders, where their deep commitment to their respective provinces became evident. “Actually, sinabi ko na nga sa kanila that I love working with the governors because the governors ang nakakaalam kung anong kailangan ng probinsya and kaya nilang i-prioritize,” he added.
During the forum, officials identified the top priority commodities of each province—such as rice, corn, and swine—as well as specific value chain segments needing support.
The Secretary noted that the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) Scale-Up was designed to support these provincial priorities through investments in infrastructure, enterprise development, and capacity building. “What excited me most was the ownership that was shown… ownership that signaled a stronger partnership between the national government and provincial governments,” he said.
V Tiu Laurel also confirmed that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. approved an increase in the 2026 budget, including additional funds redirected from flood control programs to support agriculture. “Ico-confirm ko na—nadagdagan na ang ating 2026 budget. Pasalamat tayo sa Pangulong Marcos. Magagamit ito para sa ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda,” he announced.
He closed by reaffirming the DA’s commitment to moving from planning to implementation, and from discussion to real investments that would uplift the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk.
