Having presented the “new thinking” in agriculture with the vision of a food-secure country and prosperous farmers and fisherfolk, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William D. Dar believes that the targets can be met through strong partnerships.
“I believe it (improving the sector’s performance) can be done with the support of the entire DA Family, in strong partnership with the farmers, fisherfolk, private sector, local government units (LGUs), academic and science community, and civil society organizations, including international funding agencies,” he said.
He added that the farmers and fisherfolk are the DA’s partners in development and they must be part of the development process.
Secretary Dar also mentioned the need to partner with other branches of the government such as the legislative branch, and strengthen collaborations with other departments concerned.
He said, “The key here is convergence. It’s about partnerships and creating the best of human diplomacy.”
In terms of elevating the status of farmers and fisherfolk from producers to entrepreneurs, Dar requested the leaders of the private sector, particularly those involved in agribusiness, to make their “journey to prosperity” inclusive.
He explained that partnerships with the private sector is important, “because they have the management know-how, capital, technologies, and they know where to market the produce.” The private sector will be engaged in setting up more agri-based industries and developing markets for agriculture products.
Part of the new models that Dar presented is the industrialization of agriculture and how it should be treated as an industry. According to him, this is an opportunity to improve the capacity of the farmers and fisherfolk to systematically transform into becoming agri-preneurs.
Another model is farm consolidation wherein the private sector will play a key role in a big brother-small brother partnership that will benefit smallholder farm families.
To put up the necessary legislation to make partnerships with the private sector possible and for them to be guided by inclusive agribusiness, the department will tap both the congress and the senate for support.
“Ganoon ako kaseryoso na mag-partner sa pribadong sektor kasi ang gusto natin, mai-angat ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda at aangat silang lahat. Aangat tayong lahat,” Dar said.
In addition, Dar plans to create a provincial agricultural extension system nationwide and improve the DA’s partnership with the LGUs. With the help of the local governments and concerned agencies, the DA will establish needed agricultural infrastructure and develop efficient logistics to speed up the delivery and distribution of products. The LGUs will also be engaged in quick intervention system related to disaster risk reduction and management.
Regarding policy matters and other concerns, Dar will convene a Secretary of Agriculture’s Group of Experts (SAGE) and a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to assist him in making sound decisions.
“We are an inclusive leadership,” Dar pledged.
He added, “We will build a stronger, more resilient Philippine agriculture and fishery sector, and a more productive rural economy, built on good governance, proper planning, and implementation of policies that are peopled-centered, responsive, and accountable.” ### (Gumamela Celes Bejarin, DA-AFID)
