DA shifts to long-term co-investment strategy for farmers, fisherfolks

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is moving away from short-term assistance programs and adopting a long-term co-investment strategy with farming and fishing communities to strengthen production, raise incomes, and improve rural living standards.

- Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/BRP

DA Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and Regulations Asis Perez underscored this policy shift during the opening of the three-day Municipal Agri-Fishery Investment Forum in Cebu City that started the other day, where national and local stakeholders gathered to align agricultural priorities and investments.

"We are reducing the use of words like ayuda or tulong. What the government provides is ambag-puhunan. We are co-investing with our farmers and fisherfolk," said Perez.

Perez said the approach is designed to boost both agricultural production and farmer income, reduce the country's dependence on imports, and ensure that economic gains remain in rural communities. The Philippines currently imports around $19 billion worth of agricultural food annually.