The Department of Agriculture (DA) officially launched the annual celebration of Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month on May 5, at the DA Central Office. The theme for 2025, “Makabagong Magsasaka at Mangingisda, Susi sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas!” emphasizes the crucial role of farmers and fisherfolk in ensuring food security and driving economic growth, while also advocating for the modernization of the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
In his keynote address, delivered by DA Undersecretary for Administration Allan Umali, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering Filipino farmers and fisherfolk through innovation. The DA secretary outlined key initiatives, such as increasing the National Food Authority’s (NFA) palay buying price to ensure fair income for rice farmers, constructing additional NFA warehouses to enhance procurement and storage, and tripling the allocation for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) to improve the competitiveness of the country’s farmlands.
Highlighting the importance of sustainability, DA Undersecretary for Operations and Agri-Fisheries Mechanization Roger Navarro said: “To ensure that future generations benefit from this vital sector, we must promote sustainability through environmental stewardship, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation.”
As part of the celebration, the DA, through the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF), also recognized the appointment of Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) Chairpersons as Farmer Regional Executive Directors for the month of May. This initiative aims to bring grassroots perspectives into government planning and policy-making, empowering farmer-leaders to influence policy while strengthening public-private collaboration in agricultural and fishery development.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of an exhibit at the DA lobby, showcasing various interventions and technologies for the agri-fisheries sector. The exhibit also features a weekly display of key commodities from across the country, including:
May 5–9: Fisheries
May 13–16: Rice
May 19–23: Coffee, Cacao, Sugar, Fiber, and other High-Value Crops
May 26–30: Livestock, Dairy, and Corn
In accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 33, signed on May 21, 1989, the month of May is designated as Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month to honor the essential role of farmers and fishers in ensuring food security and sustainable development. ### (Ira Y. Cruz, DA-AFID)
