QUEZON CITY, June 20, 2023 – The Department of Agriculture through the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Operations, Engr. Arnel de Mesa moves toward institutionalizing mechanisms to advance synergistic approach to development among the DA agencies, banner programs and projects to improve service rendering, strengthen impact, and maximize initiatives reach.

The DA is composed of agencies and units that implement various agriculture-oriented programs and projects up to the ground level following the mandate of the Department to facilitate agricultural development in the country. Further, these programs and activities advocate for food sovereignty at the national level, and economic development at the sectoral level by increasing production, and generating employment among the local farmers and fishers.

This organizational direction was set in February 2023 by Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban during the Management Committee (ManCom) meeting, encouraging collaboration inside the institution to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the services of various programs, projects, and DA agencies.

This was followed by a collaborative meeting held on June 20, at FOS Conference room, Old building, Department of Agriculture, Quezon City led by Asec. De Mesa, and concerned offices specifically Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation Program (F2C2), Special Project Coordination and Management Assistance Division (SPCMAD), Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD), Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI), Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4Ks), and Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP). The meeting was attended by officials: Dir. Shandy Hubilla from PRDP and F2C2, Dir. Ulysses J. Lustria Jr. of SAAD Program, Dir. Lucia A. Campomanes of 4Ks Program, Executive Dir. Cheryl L. Eusala from PRRI, Jocelyn A. Agra, Statistician II of PhilFIDA, Division Chief Angelita D. Martir from SPCMAD, and Annray V. Rivera, Technical Adviser of OAS-Operations. 

Concerns tackled in the meeting include efficient use of resources, promotion of coordination and harmonization efforts, and enhancing the impact of the programs and projects of the DA by employing approaches that will back the implementation such as social preparation, livelihood generation, food production enhancement, and marketing and enterprise development.

Moving forward, a project steering committee responsible for monitoring progress, addressing challenges, and making decisions regarding the joint initiative shall be created. The Technical Working Group (TWG) will be composed of the  National Directors and Deputy Directors spearheading coordination among offices. Further, the F2C2 shall be appointed as secretariat which will be entrusted with administrative tasks, organizing meetings, and facilitating information flow among the collaborating units. Finally, the Regional Executive Directors will play a crucial role in overseeing the implementation of the initiatives at the regional level ensuring proper execution, monitoring progress, and addressing any challenges encountered during the implementation phase.

A knowledge exchange and collaboration, workshops, and regular meetings will also be conducted to keep the offices abreast of the collective goals, ensuring the success of the planned activities.

Further, a collaboration framework developed during the meeting will be set for review for the upcoming Operations Management Group (OMG) meeting on July 12-14, 2023 in Cebu City. This framework includes the management process, implementation, and monitoring and reporting. ###

Writer: Jemiema D. R. Arro, Technical and External Communications Officer – SAAD NPMO